SHREWSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Unattended Children Policy

A growing concern is the number of young children left unattended in the library.  The library is a public building available for the use of all residents of Massachusetts.  Because it is a place where children gather, it may attract people whose interest in children is not entirely wholesome. The library staff is not responsible for the supervision of children but will intervene if aware of a problem.  For the protection and well-being of children who enjoy libraries, the following policy has been established:

 Children ten years of age or younger must be continually attended by a parent or caregiver while in the library.

 Children between the ages of ten and thirteen years may be left unattended for a maximum of two hours.

 Children attending programs are supervised by the library staff only during the scheduled time of the program

Parents and caregivers should be familiar with the library’s hours of operation and should not leave children before opening or after closing.  Also, close attention must be paid to unexpected closings (storms, power outages, etc.).  Prior arrangements and contingency plans for IMMEDIATE pick-up should be discussed with the child.  The library staff is not responsible for supervising children left alone when the library is closed but will make attempts to reach a parent or caregiver for immediate pick-up.  The police department will be notified of any child has been left too long or repeatedly in this unsafe situation. 

Reprinted with permission of the Shrewsbury Public Library

To Unattended Children Index

To Mass. Regional Library Systems Policy Collection Index

Provided by the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems
Boston*Central*Metrowest*Northeastern*Southeastern*Western