SAFE CHILD POLICY

Adopted by Spokane Public Library Board of Trustees on March 18, 2008; revised August 16, 2016.

1. GENERAL

1.1 The Spokane Public Library encourages parents, guardians, and other caregivers to bring children to the Library whenever possible. Library staff have been trained to help children enjoy and derive benefit from the materials and services the Library offers, including programs designed to encourage a love of reading and lifelong learning in children of all ages. The safety of young children and the rights of other customers, however, requires that parents and/or guardians monitor the behavior of their children and correct behavior that is inappropriate. This bulletin outlines the Library’s policy regarding the safety of children while in the Library, and the protection of rights of all customers, regardless of age.

1.2 This bulletin is divided into the following sections:

Section 1 – General
Section 2 – Statement of Policy
Section 3 – Implementation

2. POLICY

2.1 Library customers, regardless of age, are required to comply with the Spokane Public Library Code of Conduct which is clearly posted at all branch locations and on the Library’s Web site.

2.2 In order to maintain a safe, orderly, and proper environment for library use, parents, guardians, and/or other caregivers responsible for a child or children must be responsible for the conduct of children in their custody or control at all times while they are on Library premises.

3. IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for the conduct of children in their custody or control at all times while they are on Library premises. Library staff is not responsible for children who are left unattended while on library premises. Children under the age of six and children with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities that require constant supervision (supervised children) are not to be left unattended in the library.

3.2 Supervised children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. During programs, adults are asked to remain in the building. When attending programs, supervised children under the age of six MUST be accompanied by an adult.

3.3 Parents, guardians, and caregivers should be aware of library opening and closing times and make arrangements to meet and transport children who have been left unattended at the Library.

3.4 The Library is not responsible for children outside of its buildings who await transportation or who are socializing.

3.5 All children, young adults, and adults are expected to respect Library property and other Library customers. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will result in the individual(s) being asked to leave.

3.6 The Library staff shall have the responsibility of interpreting the Library Code of Conduct and making the final determination in requesting the removal of a child from the building as a result of behavioral difficulties.

3.7 In the event of a violation of this policy, Library staff members will contact the parent or guardian of the unattended child, law enforcement or child protective services agency, as appropriate.