The Demarest Free Public Library is an institution that welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities, services, and resources. However, the Library is not intended to be a daycare, after-school care facility, or a babysitting service, nor is it responsible for the care of unattended children. Parents and caregivers are solely responsible for the safety and supervision of their children while in the Library and on Library grounds. Out of concern for the safety of all children the Library has established the following policies regarding children in the Library:
Children, like all library patrons, are expected to behave appropriately and in accordance with Library Code of Conduct.
Children of all ages should carry with them the phone number of a parent or caregiver who can be contacted in case of emergency.
Parents and caregivers should be familiar with Library hours and make appropriate arrangements to meet or transport their children home, ideally 15 minutes before the Library closes.
An unattended child is a child of any age who is unaccompanied by a parent or caregiver. Children who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the library and must have adequate supervision from a parent/caregiver.
Children aged eight (8) and younger may not be left unattended in the Library or on Library grounds. They must be under the direct supervision of a parent or caregiver at all times, unless they are in a specific program that does not require the presence of an adult; however, the parent or caregiver must remain in the Library while the child is attending the program.
Children aged nine (9) and ten (10) may be left unattended in the Library, but a parent/caregiver must be present in the Library throughout their visit.
Children aged 11 and older may visit the Library independently. However, the parent or caregiver must make arrangements to meet or transport their children home from the Library before closing time.
If a child aged 10 or younger is found unattended at the Library, Library staff will attempt to contact the child’s parent or caregiver to pick up the child. If a parent/caregiver is not available Library staff will contact the Demarest Police to pick up the child.
If a child is found unattended prior to closing time Library staff will ask the child to contact someone to pick them up. In the event a child is not picked up when the Library closes, the Demarest Police will be called to keep the child until the parent or caregiver can be reached. Library staff are not permitted to escort children home.
Adopted by the Demarest Library Board of Trustees April 25, 2022.