5. UNATTENDED CHILDREN

Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are in the Library.  The Columbia Public Library staff is committed to help children with activities related to the Library.  However, Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility to serve as babysitters, teachers, or disciplinarians.  Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges.  Whenever advisable, the library will notify the parent of incidents involving an unattended child (Form Follows)

Children under the age of 5 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver.  When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt, or the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, or if the Library is closing, Library staff is authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive.

From time to time the Columbia Public Library schedules or provides programs, which are designed and suitable for attendance by children without parental supervision.  Such program announcements will so indicate and if no indication is included then supervision is required.  When so indicated, if a parent or caregiver intends to be absent, they must leave word as to their whereabouts and if possible, a phone number where they or a responsible adult can be contacted.rules

Children over the age of 5 may use the Library unattended by an adult, subject to other Library and policies concerning behavior, conduct and demeanor.

                                          Approved_ 1/13/04

6. UNATTENDED CHILDREN AFTER HOURS

If a child has been left unattended at the time of closing, Library staff has the responsibility to access the situation using the following guidelines.

v     Access the situation 30 minutes before closing to determine if any children are alone.  Ask the child to call the parent or caregiver to find out if someone is on the way to pick him/her up.

v     In no case should a staff member drive the child home.

v     Two staff members should remain with the child.  They should stay inside the building 15 minutes after closing.

v     If a parent or caregiver has not arrived within 15 minutes, the staff   will contact the Columbia Police Department.  Library staff   will remain until the police arrive.  A message to the parent or caregiver will be left on the entrance door stating where the child may be found. 

          DO NOT POST CHILD’S NAME.

(Memo follows).    

v     Library staff will document incident and notify the director as soon as possible.

                                                                                                   Approved   01/13004

Memo to be posted on door:

Dear parent of the child left at the library,

For your child’s safety, Library staff has been instructed not to leave children unattended after closing hours.  Since a parent or caregiver did not pick up the child after the library closed and in the 15 minutes after, the child was placed under the protection of the Columbia Police Department.

You may obtain more information by calling or stopping by the Police station.

Address:  1020 North Main Street.

Phone number: 618-281-5151

Date:

Time:

Columbia Public Library Staff

                                Approved   01/13/04