Proposed ___03-23-93

Approved____03-23-93

THIS POLICY IS DESIGNED WITH THE CARE, WELFARE, SAFETY AND SECURITY OF CHILDREN AND STAFF IN MIND.

All patrons are expected to conduct themselves in the manner which shows respect for others who are reading or studying in the library.

It is reasonable to expect children to talk, laugh and move about when in the library. However, disruptive behavior which prevents others from enjoying the library, is not allowed.

Examples are: Abusive language

Physical violence or threat of violence

Engaging in unauthorized physically active games, such as tag, football, karate

Shouting and screaming etc.

Children are expected to adhere to the code of behavior. Children who do not adhere to the code of behavior will be asked to leave the library.

Children may be verbally corrected, but not touched, except to restrain them in order to protect the child's safety, the safety of others, or the safety of library property.

When correcting or restraining a child, it is advisable to have another staff member present.

The Librarian may ask to take charge of a child's toys, such as baseball bats, balls, caps pistol, water guns, or other items, when the use of such will cause a disturbance, for the time the child is in the library.

Weapons of any kind are not allowed in the library.

In cases where there is violence or threat of violence, police will be called to escort the child from the library. A restraining order may be obtained through the courts.

If possible, parent or guardian should be contacted when a child is asked to leave the library.

Organized groups of children must have an adult with them at all times. This includes school classes, day care groups, scout troops and outside groups using the library meeting rooms. An adult from the group must be present to supervise the children as they arrive before a program, during the program and as they leave after the program. The adult is responsible for the behavior of the children in the group. The library reserves the right to expel any group that does not adhere to the code of behavior. For the safety of the children, the adult must either take all the children with them when they leave the library or plan to stay until all the children in the group have either left the library or are with a parent, or other adult responsible for the child, in the library.

It is the responsibility of the adult to ensure that the children in their charge adhere to the stated code of behavior in the library. Situations where children, who are with their parents or other adults, but are misbehaving, need to be handled with great tact.

Politely ask the adult to correct the child. (Please ask your child not to stand on the table, we're afraid he may fall.)

If necessary, politely ask the child to stop the inappropriate behavior. Lead the child to the adult or the adult to the child.

If the child continues to misbehave, discuss the code of behavior with the adult.

If the adult cannot control the child so the child's behavior falls within the code of behavior, or the child's behavior presents a threat to the safety of himself, to others, or library property, the adult and child may be asked to leave the library.

Pre-school children should not be in the library without an adult or responsible sibling.

The library does not provide a babysitting service or act as does the school system, in loco parentis.

If parents of elementary school age children ask to leave their children unattended in the library, they should be informed that the library cannot be responsible for children left unattended in the library, and that we can not provide a babysitting service. If they do decide to leave the child, they should make sure the child knows where and how to reach the parent or other adult if necessary. The parent should be informed of the time the library closes and that the library cannot assumes responsibility for children left after closing. The parent should be informed of the code of behavior and that a child who cannot follow the code of behavior may be asked to leave the library. If the child's behavior threatens the safety of the child, of others, or of library property, and the parent or other adult responsible for the child is not present, the police will be called to take charge of the child.