Stevens County Rural Library District

Safe Child Policy for Young People Visiting the Library

 Service to young people is a very high priority of the Stevens County Rural Library District.  Staff members are available to assist children with library materials or services. 

 The Library desires to provide a safe and appropriate environment for visitors of all ages.   The Library, however, is a public building with staff trained to provide public library services.  The Library is not equipped—and it is not the Library’s role—to provide child care. 

 For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or caregiver should accompany children while they are using the Library.  While in the Library, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children.

 The Stevens County Rural Library District assumes no responsibility for children left unattended on library premises. 

 Library staff members will be guided by this policy in situations such as:

·         An unattended child is found frightened or crying in the library

·         An unattended child exhibits inappropriate behavior

·         An unattended child is perceived to be endangering him or herself, or that another person in the library poses a perceived threat to the unattended child.

·         An unattended child has not been met by a responsible caregiver at closing time.

 After evaluating the situation, Library staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of an unattended child. Library staff are also encouraged to contact a supervisor or the Director to problem solve the situation.

In the event that the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child may be placed in the care of the Stevens County Sheriff or local city police.

ADOPTED BY THE
STEVENS COUNTY RURAL LIBRARY DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

March 20, 2003

Policy 0021