The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library encourages patrons of all ages to use its facilities, programs, resources, and services.
The safety and responsibility for the well-being of minor children lies solely with the parent, guardian or assigned chaperone of each child, not with library personnel. Parents/guardians should realize that, even in their absence, they are legally responsible for their children’s behavior in the library.
A parent/guardian must supervise and be within sight of children under the age of eight in all areas of the library. If a child under the age of eight is left unattended and appears to be lost or frightened, library staff will make every attempt to locate the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian is not located within an hour or by closing time, the local police department will be notified. Under no circumstances shall a library staff member take a child out of the library or transport a child.
Any child under the age of eight, who is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone, and is being disruptive, may be asked by the staff to behave. If such behavior continues, the parent(s), guardian, or chaperon will be told that their child is disturbing others and will be asked to control the child. If they refuse or are unable to control the child, the family may be asked to leave.
Disruptive children over age eight will be given only one warning and informed that they will be asked to leave if the disruptive behavior continues. Staff will follow through to insure that the child does leave the building/premises. If he/she refuses to leave, the branch supervisor is authorized to call the local police department. The Library assumes no responsibility for an unattended child who has been asked to leave the library property.
The branch supervisor has the authority to deny use of the library to any child who is continually disruptive. The Library reserves the right to ban disruptive children either temporarily or permanently from using the Library and its resources. Parents/guardians will be held responsible for damage to items or equipment caused by their minor child.
The Library is not responsible for children outside the building who await transportation or who are socializing. If a child is unattended in the Library at closing time, staff will make an effort to call the parent/guardian and wait for up to fifteen minutes after closing. After that time staff will call the local police and ask them to assume responsibility for the unattended child. Staff will not take a child off of Library property or transport a child.
