The Board of Trustees and staff of the Pickerington Public Library (PPL) are pleased that patrons of all ages are visiting us. It is important that we provide an environment that allows all patrons to enjoy the facility in a safe, relaxed manner. While we welcome library use of children 18 years of age and younger, children under age twelve (12) must be attended by a parent or an adult caregiver.
PPL wishes to provide a safe environment for visitors of all ages; however, library facilities are open to the public, which can present risks to children. Parents, caregivers and group leaders need to be aware that staff cannot be responsible for the safety and security of unattended children. Parents and caregivers must exercise their own judgment regarding whether to leave their children over the age of twelve (12) unattended in the library. In exercising this discretion, parents and caregivers should be aware that the library cannot monitor children who enter and leave the library, and that children who are disruptive may be asked to leave the library. Accordingly, parents and caregivers should only leave unattended children at the library if they are capable of coming and going by themselves.
Children who become disruptive, a security or safety issue, or endanger themselves or others anywhere on library property will be asked to correct their behavior. Should the behavior continue, the child will be asked to leave the library as indicated by the Patron Code of Conduct Policy.
Parents and caregivers are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the library for unattended children. Transportation for these children should arrive prior to the closing time. If a child’s transportation has not arrived within 15 minutes after closing, PPL may call the police if the child expresses concern, if a PPL staff member believes there is reason for concern or if the child is under the age of twelve (12).
Pickerington Public Library
Unattended Children
Board Policy: DATE REVIEWED: 4/13/2017
DATE APPROVED: 4/13/2017
EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/13/2017
REPLACING POLICY EFFECTIVE: 9/13/2007
