UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY

The Neptune Township Public Library offers a welcoming, educational, and safe place for people of all ages. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of their children at all times in the Library and on Library property.  All patrons, including children, are required to respect Library property and to act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the Library.

In order to insure the safety of children who use the Library, the Board of Trustees has adopted the following policies:

1)      Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver at all times and in all areas of the Library and its property.

2)   Older children and adolescents who come to the Library without a parent, guardian, or caregiver are welcome to use the Library for appropriate tasks such as homework or reading. Vandalism and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may serve as grounds for removal from Library property.

3)     Our Library staff is here to serve the public and has many duties to perform in order to help all of our patrons in the best way possible. They are unable to monitor the whereabouts or behavior of children who use our facilities. Staff cannot assume responsibility for a child’s care when they use the Library.

4)        In the event that a child under the age of 18 is left at the Library at closing time, in the event of an emergency situation, or in the event of a situation which requires the immediate closing of the Library, staff will attempt to contact the parents or caregivers. If the parents or caregivers cannot be contacted, staff will notify the appropriate authorities to take custody of the child.

Adopted April 14, 2004

Copyright © 2006, Krista Wittenberg
Revised -- 5/1/2006