ChildrensRoomPolicy .pdf
Liberty Library wants to provide a safe and welcoming environment for children. Children and young adults are encouraged to use the library.
Children under the age of eight (8) must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver (age 14 or older) at all times while at the library. Parents/caregivers are responsible for providing supervision of their children at the library. A staff member or volunteer may not take responsibility for any child at the library while on duty.
Children under the age of eight (8) may not be left unattended in any part of the library or library grounds including the Children’s Room. Children need to be supervised, even while the parent/caregiver is using library computers. Parents should be aware that library personnel do not monitor children’s use of the library including book or movie selection and use of library computers.
iPad computers in the Children’s Room are intended for children ages 10 and under. The Children’s Room computers allow only approved website access.The Computer Use Policy, Internet Safety Policy, and Directions are posted near computers.
Story Box stories must be used with parental/caregiver guidance on the flannel board. Directions are posted on the Story Box.
Puppet Theater should also have parental/caregiver guidance for child’s safety. Puppets should be returned to the tub after use.
Legos are to be used at the Lego Table only. When finished playing with them, parents and children should pick up any stray or unattached Legos from the floor and tables and put them in the drawers, as small parts are dangerous to toddlers and babies. Directions are posted on the side of the Lego Table.
Discovery Kits may only be borrowed by adults age 18 and over. They are intended for use by parents, teachers, and homeschoolers to be used with their children outside of the library. Each kit contains numerous pieces so items are not to be taken out of their containers or played with at the library. Kits are examined upon check-out and check-in, and the borrower will be charged a replacement cost for all missing or damaged items. Directions are posted on the side of the shelf.
Food and drink are not allowed in the Children’s Room except during a library sponsored program. Children and their parents/caregiver should pick up toys and books in the Children’s Room when they are finished using them. Books to be reshelved should be placed on the red book truck. Library personnel will shelve the books.
All children must be picked up from the library prior to closing. If a child under the age of 13 is left at the library at closing, library personnel will first attempt to contact a parent or guardian and, if unable to do so, will contact the Waldo County Sheriff/Maine State Police. Personnel will remain with the child until the parent or the police have arrived. Under no circumstances will library personnel transport a child/parent/guardian to another location. The Library Director or designee will contact the child’s parent/guardian to explain the library’s policy.
Occasionally, a child or young adult acts inappropriately at the library. The child or young adult may be asked to leave. If this happens, they will be given the opportunity to call for a ride. In cases of extreme weather, no child or young adult will be turned out into the weather until personnel has verified that the child or young adult has transportation. If at any time a library personnel feels that a patron’s actions pose a threat to the patron or others, the Waldo County Sheriff/Maine State Police will be called according to emergency procedures. This is the case regardless of the patron’s age.
These rules and guidelines for expected behavior of children and parents/caregivers will be posted in the Children’s Room.
Revised and approved 10/28/2023