It is the mission of the Jamestown Philomenian Library to provide a safe and appropriate environment in which library users of all ages have access to library materials and services. The library is a public building with trained staff whose role it is to provide and assist with the use of library materials and services. It is not consistent with library policy for its staff to provide any kind of supervision of children beyond that associated with planned activities, programs or services designed for specific age groups. Nor does the library or its staff assume responsibility for the behavior and safety of unattended minor children (ages 10 and under) left at the library.
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and adequately supervised by a responsible caregiver, and children under the age of 6 must be in the immediate vicinity of that caregiver at all times. Older children may use the library unattended as long as their behavior is not disruptive or dangerous to themselves or others. Parents/guardians are responsible for the behavior and safety of their children in the library, whether or not the parent/guardian is present. Library staff will notify parents/guardians when unattended children are not following the Library Patron Code of Conduct.
Young people who visit the library by themselves must know how to reach a responsible caregiver in case of emergencies, health and safety issues, inappropriate behavior, or early closure. This also means knowing how to reach a parent or other responsible adult at closing time if they need transportation home.
If any child under the age of 13 remains on the library premises 15 minutes after closing, staff may call the proper authorities for transportation.
Board approved: 6/13/23
