Children's Room Policy

CHILDREN’S ROOM POLICY

 Introduction:
The Liberty Public Library welcomes children to use the library and its resources. We strive to offer many programs to make libraries enjoyable for children and to help them develop a lifelong love of reading, books and libraries. Unfortunately, children left alone for several hours often become disruptive and bored. Please remember that parents and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the actions and safety of children visiting the library.  In order to maintain a safe, enjoyable, and peaceful atmosphere for all public library users, we ask your cooperation with the following policy:
Children are expected to follow the library’s General Policies & Rules, with the following additions:

1. Children under the age of 10 may not be left unattended in the library-they must be accompanied by a parent or supervised by someone at least 15 years of age.

2. Children aged 10 and older may be left unattended in the library for a reasonable amount of time, generally not to exceed 1-2 hours. (Special consideration will be made for children involved in extensive research or projects at staff discretion.)

3. The library is not to be used as a latchkey/babysitting site at any time, but especially not after school, during school district half days, or other school closures.

4. Children in the library need to know how to contact a parent/guardian. They should also be aware of the library's closing time.

 5. Young children must always have an adult with them while using the elevator or the restroom.

Use of the Children’s Area During a Library Program:

If a program is in session in the Children’s area, patrons may be asked by staff to relocate to a different area of the library.

 Teen /Adult use of the Children’s Area

If teens or adult patrons are using the children’s area without children with them, staff have the right to ask that they relocate to  different section of the library, especially if the area is in use by families.

Staff will notify parents of this policy when children are left unattended repeatedly and/or for long periods of time. (If necessary, the police or child protective services may be contacted.

 Children will be asked to leave library premises if proper behavior is not maintained.

 In instances of repeated or extreme behavior problems, children may be banned from the library for a period of time to be determined by the Library Director or Board of Trustees.

Adopted by Board of Trustees: March 26, 2002, Revised on: March 23, 2010, Feb, 3, 2026