Children in the Library Policy

Rules for Children's Behavior

Using the Library should be an exciting experience for children, but remember, other people are here trying to read or study. And even though playing in the Library is fun, safety issues are a concern for both library staff and visitors.

In order to insure that everyone visiting the Library enjoys their time here safely, the following are rules for Library Behavior.

• Please walk in the Library.
• Pick up after yourself. Replace any puzzles or toys that you use.
• Do not throw toys, books, etc. Intentionally trying to hurt another person will result in you being asked to leave the Library.
• Do not climb on the bookshelves. Parents and caretakers, please do not let children sit on top of the shelves as this is very dangerous.
• Please do not bring food into the Library.
• Use your inside voice at all times.

Children under ten must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Please see our Child Supervision Policy for more information.

Child Supervision Policy

Weston Public Library welcomes children of all ages and strives to create a warm, inviting learning environment. The library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of books and learning. However, the library is a public building and open to all.

The well-being of young children left alone at the library is a serious concern. Library staff persons do not act as guardians or caretakers for student patrons, and cannot assume responsibility for the safety of children while in the library.

The safety and well-being of every child visiting the Library is very important, and in an effort to further their protection, the Weston Public Library has adopted the following policy:

Parents and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, safety and supervision of their children while in the Library and on Library property. Caregivers must be over the age of 16.

Children under the age of 10 must be supervised by a parent /caregiver at all times while in the library. Children ages 10-11 may use the library unattended for up to 2 hours at a time and must remain in the youth services area.

All children MUST have contact information for their parent/caregiver. Parents and caregivers should know the library’s operating hours and realize there may be times when the library has to close unexpectedly. If a child is left here at closing and the parent/caregiver cannot be reached, the Weston Police Department will be contacted promptly. In the event of school closings for weather or other emergencies, children should not be sent to the library as the library will also be affected and may also close.

Children of all ages are expected to display behavior that is respectful of library staff and which does not interfere with other patrons’ use and enjoyment of the library. Running, hitting, and shouting are some examples of behavior that is not allowed in the library. If a child cannot comply with respectful behavior, the library will first give the child the opportunity to correct their behavior. Subsequent problems will result in the child being asked to leave the library in the custody of their parent/caregiver until they can comply with this policy.

Parents and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the actions and safety of children while in the library.

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.

Approved Weston Public Library Board of Trustees August 23, 2016. The Weston Public Library Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend this policy at their discretion.

Children's Computer Use

Internet access is available to all our patrons.

There are currently three Internet access computers in Youth Services and one additional computer for use for non-internet homework. Computer use in the Youth Services area is for CHILDREN. Because there are only two internet computers available for children's use, we will ask adults to leave if there are children who want to use these computers.

Computer Availability and Signup