The Mae S. Bruce Library is a public facility that offers services
to a wide range of citizens, and children are especially welcome. The
Library has the responsibility to provide an environment that is safe
and comfortable for every patron who is appropriately using its
services and facilities. Children and young people are expected to
adhere to the same standards of patron conduct expected of adults.
Parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones are responsible for the
behavior of their children while in the Library.
Children under the age of ten must be accompanied by a responsible
individual at least 16 years of age or older. If a parent/guardian
cannot be located, staff will call the proper authorities to report an
abandoned child.
Older children who are disruptive will be asked to leave the Library
(see policy on “Library Behavior”). If the child cannot safely leave
the Library to return home on his or her own, staff will permit the
child to call a parent. If no parent can be contacted, Library staff
will either allow the child to remain at the Library under close
supervision until a parent can be contacted or contact the proper
authorities, depending upon the severity of the situation.
Children who have not been picked up within thirty minutes before
closing time may be given the opportunity to call a parent. Children
who have not been picked up by closing time may be left in the care of
proper authorities. Under no circumstances will staff transport
children in a vehicle or accompany them home.
Approved by the Library Advisory Board –July, 2007
Approved by the Santa Fe City Council –July, 2007
