MISSION AND
POLICIES

Child Supervision Policy

A Message to:

  • Moms & Dads
  • Baby-sitters
  • Childcare Providers

Thank you for visiting the Library!

The Weston Public Library strives to provide resources and facilities to encourage children of all ages to visit, and to ensure that they will find the library a warm and inviting place. We hope that through their visits, children will develop a lifelong love of books, reading and libraries.

Library staff do everything in their power to insure the safety of children in the library, but their duties as providers of library services prevent them from being able to supervise each individual child left in the library.

Therefore, when children are using the library, it is the responsibility of parents, not that of library staff, to supervise their children. Parents may designate a responsible person (over the age of 16) to act as their representative for a child in the library.

Supervision

"Supervise" means that a parent or responsible parent's representative is with the child in the library and is ensuring:

  1. That children act in accordance with Library rules.
  2. That children's behavior does not present a safety hazard to themselves, other users, or library property.
  3. That children's behavior does not interfere with the use of the library by others.

Children left unattended are vulnerable and may become frightened or anxious. If left unsupervised for an extended period of time, they can become restless and bored, disturbing the enjoyment and study of others. We would like to prevent this for the benefit of all our users.

Age Guidelines

The following age guidelines have been established to ensure that children are safe and cared for while in the library:

Children five and under: a parent or the parent's representative must remain with the child at all times.

Children ages six through eight: a parent or the parent's representative must remain in the building for the duration of the child's visit. The parent or the parent's representative must realize that staff have other duties and cannot be responsible for the supervision of the child. The parent or the parent's representative will be located should any problems arise.

Children ages nine through twelve are welcome to use the library unattended, but should not be left alone for more than two hours. Parents are responsible for their behavior and will be contacted if problems arise. Parents who expect their child to remain in the library for an extended period of time should provide them with activities (such as homework or a book to read) and a snack to eat outside, if necessary.

Children attending library-sponsored programs are supervised by the library staff and for the purposes of this policy are considered to be attended for the duration of the program. Prompt arrival at program completion is appreciated.

Suggestions for Parents

  • Bring children to the library at a less busy time and acquaint them with areas and materials that will interest them.
  • Introduce children to library staff, and assure them that if they were ever to become lost or frightened, staff members are there to help.
  • The library is a very busy place, and it is open to everyone. Make sure your children know that if they should ever feel uneasy or uncomfortable with another patron in the building, they should tell a staff member immediately.
  • Parents should be familiar with the Library's hours of operation and should not leave children here before opening or after closing. Library staff cannot be responsible for supervising children left alone in the parking lot.
  • Weston Police will be called for children left alone at closing.

Mutual Goals

The Weston Public Library is a source of information, education, and recreation for everyone, young and old. The Library strives to maintain that role with a high level of service and safety. Your cooperation and concern for children's welfare and behavior in the library will help us to do our job even better.

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