The Hoyt Lakes Public 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. Parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library. The Hoyt Lakes Public Library cannot assume responsibility for children left unattended in the library.

1. Pre-school children and children with special needs shall be attended and adequately supervised by a parent or other responsible person.

2. School-age children may use the library unattended, subject, of course to appropriate behavior. However, the library is not a day care facility and cannot be responsible for children left unattended.

3. Children who are old enough to be in the library on their own will be asked about transportation approximately 15 minutes prior to the library’s closing. Children will be given the opportunity to call a parent or other responsible adult. If the child has not been picked up within fifteen minutes, or by closing, he/she will be left in the care of the police department. Under no circumstances will staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home.

4. The incident will be reported to the Library Director and the Director will send a letter to the parents/guardian informing them of the library’s policy, and why the child was taken to the police department.

Approved by Library Board 2/19/13