Unattended Children Policy

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The Scarsdale Public Library welcomes children to use its facilities, resources and services.

Responsibility for children using the Library rests with the parent or caregiver, not with the Library staff. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or caregiver at all times, including during story hours, activities and programs. Legal guardians and/or caregivers above the age of 14 may assume responsibility for a child while in the Library. Parents and caregivers are expected to forestall behavior that disrupts other Library users.

Children ages 10 and over may use the Library unattended subject to policies adopted by the Library Board concerning behavior.

When a child is unattended or under-attended, library staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of the child. In the event that the parent or guardian cannot be located, staff will contact the Scarsdale Police Department. In the event of an emergency, staff will call 911. At least two staff members will remain after hours with an unattended child until the parent or guardian or police arrive. Parents/Caregivers who violate the rules stated above risk having their Library privileges restricted or revoked.

Library staff will not provide food, transportation or money to children.

Approved by the Scarsdale Public Library Board of Trustees April 1993

Updated June 2020

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