Unattended Children Policy

Mae S. Bruce Library

Unattended Children Policy

 

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.

   

Reviewed and Approved by the Library Advisory Board – July 7, 2010

Approved by the Santa Fe City Council – August 12, 2010