Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy

Bryan-Bennett Library strives to make a safe and inviting environment for visitors, and welcomes adults and children of all ages to use the facility.  The library is concerned for the safety of children and vulnerable adults, however, staff is unable to ensure the safety of those left unattended.

Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a responsible caregiver the age of 14 or over.

Unattended Children

Children 10 and older are allowed to be in the library unattended, but are subject to all library policies.  Library staff and volunteers are not responsible for children left unattended in the library, and are unable to hold them in the library should the child choose to leave.  Staff is not responsible for the child on the way to or from the library.

Occasionally, the library holds programs where parental supervision is not required.  The program guidelines will clearly state when this is the case.

If an unattended child is being disruptive and is no longer following library policies, the parents/legal guardians will be contacted to come for the child.

In the event that an unattended child’s safety is in doubt, or a parent/legal guardian cannot be reached, or if the library is closing, staff is authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive.

Children with Special Needs and Vulnerable Adults

Children of any age with special needs and vulnerable adults who have, or reasonably appear to have, mental, physical, or functional disabilities that leave them unable to care for themselves should not be left alone in the library.  Staff are unable to care for their needs.  A caregiver should stay with the individual, and staff should be notified if special accommodations are needed.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL A STAFF MEMBER OR VOLUNTEER TRANSPORT A CHILD TO OR FROM THE LIBRARY TO ANY LOCATION.