ChildrensRoomPolicy .pdf
One of Liberty Library’s primary goals is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for children. We encourage Library use by children and young adults.
Children under the age of eight (8) must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver (age 14 or older) at all times while at the Library. Parents or guardians are responsible for providing supervision of their children while their children are at the Library. A Library 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. This includes when the parent, guardian, or caregiver is using Library computers.
Parents should be aware that Library staff members do not monitor children’s use of the Library including book or movie selection and use of Library computers.
The iPad computers in the Children’s Room are intended for children ages 10 and under. The Children’s Room computers do not allow access to the Internet. Computer Use Policy, Internet Safety Policy, and Directions are posted near computers.
The Story Box stories must be used with parental guidance on the flannel board. Directions are posted on Story Box. The puppet theater should also have parental guidance for child’s safety.
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 side of Lego Table.
All Discovery Kits can 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. 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 side of shelf.
Food and drink are not allowed in the Children’s Room except during a Library sponsored program/story time.
Children and their parents/caregiver should pick-up the Children’s Room when they are finished using it. Books that need to be reshelved should go into the purple book truck. Library Staff will shelve the books.
All children must be picked up from the Library prior to closing. If a Library staff member finds that a child under the age of 13 is left at the Library at closing, the staff member will first attempt to contact a parent or guardian and, if unable to do so, will contact the the Waldo County Sheriff/Maine State Police. Staff will remain with the child until the parent or the police have arrived.
Under no circumstances will a staff member 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 by a Library staff member. If this happens, the child or young adult 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 a staff member has verified that the child or young adult has transportation.
If at any time a Library staff member feels that a patron’s actions pose a threat to the patron or others, the the Waldo County Sheriff/Maine State Police will be called according to emergency procedures. This is the case regardless of the patron’s age.
Rules and guidelines for expected behavior of children and parents will be posted in the Children’s Room.