Policies regarding children
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Library policies related to children such as unattended children and children's programs
Section 4 – 2
Policy on Unattended Children
Statement of Policy
Children age 5 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible older child of at least 13 years of age at all times when in the library, even when attending a library program. Children ages 6-9 may be left unattended at the library only during a scheduled library program providing that their parent or caregiver remains in the library during the program. While children ages 10 and over may use the library unattended, adult supervision is recommended for all elementary school children as they use the library, in accordance with Orange County Child Protective Services guidelines.
Parents assume the responsibility for their children’s behavior in the library whether the child is accompanied or unaccompanied. There is no substitute for an accompanying parent. Library staff cannot control or be accountable for children who are left unattended at the library.
Appropriate library behavior (as explained in polices 4.1 and 4.3) is expected of all library patrons, regardless of age. Patrons of any age who display inappropriate or disruptive behavior may be asked to leave the library.
If a child under age 13 is left unattended at closing time, or if the library closes early due to an emergency, the library staff will attempt to reach the parents. If this is not possible, staff will contact the local law enforcement authorities and have them take charge of the child.
Rationale for policy
It is our desire to provide a positive library environment for everyone, including children. The public library, however, is just that, a public building. As such, anybody can come into it—law abiding or otherwise.
Library staff members have many duties to perform and they cannot monitor the behavior or whereabouts of individual patrons, including children. Library staff cannot and do not assume parental responsibilities for children who use our library.
There are risks to the child when he/she is left unattended at the public library. A child could be tempted to go off with a stranger. He/she could become ill. An emergency situation or early closing due to inclement weather could require evacuation of the building prior to our normal closing time. A child could be asked to leave the building due to disruptive behavior.
It is for the safety of each child that this policy has been adopted.
(Approved by Library Board of Trustees 1/98, amended 10/2001, 10/2002, 4/2003)
Section 4 – 1
General Policy on Conduct
The Orange County Public Library is a public facility that offers services to a wide range of citizens. The library has a responsibility to provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for every patron who is appropriately using its services and facilities. To ensure this environment, our library has devised guidelines for patron conduct which can be found in policies 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. Children and young people are expected to adhere to the same standards of behavior expected of adults. Parents, guardians or caregivers are responsible for the behavior of the children in their care while they are in the library.
General rules for the library system are:
Patrons and staff will be appropriately attired at all times which includes the wearing of shirts and shoes.
No smoking is permitted in the library
No food may be consumed in the public areas of the library except in the library meeting rooms. Covered beverages (e.g. water bottles with lids, covered cups with lids and straws such as those from McDonalds, coffee cups with lids) will be allowed in the libraries.
No illegal activities are permitted.
No weapons may be carried onto library property except by law enforcement officials and except
by special permission of the staff member in charge. (e.g. a program on the Civil War with
muskets as an exhibit or hunting safety courses) (except as permitted by VA Code § 18.2-308)
No children under age 9 may be left unattended by an adult in the library for any period of time (Except when children over age 5 are attending a library program, then the adult may wait elsewhere in the library)
No animals other than those assisting the handicapped or law enforcement officials are permitted in the library except by special permission from the staff member in charge
Any conduct that disrupts the quiet atmosphere of the library or disturbs other patrons is prohibited.
Patrons are expected to use the facilities in a appropriate manner (not stand on furniture, deface materials, misuse equipment, etc)
Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules and regulations may result in expulsion from the facility for the day, permanently or in arrest. Persons refusing to leave when asked are subject to arrest under Virginia trespass laws.
(Approved by the Library Board of Trustees 1/98, amended 5/2000; 5/2006;4/2008, 3/2009)
