The Union County Public Library District welcomes all children and vulnerable patrons, whether children or adults, to use our facilities and services. Their safety is a priority for the library.  However, responsibility for children and vulnerable children/adults using the library rests with the parent or guardian – not with library personnel. The library is not an alternative to daycare.  Unlike a daycare facility, the library is not a closed environment so they may be at risk when left unattended.  All adult patrons are free to use any public area within the library and staff members cannot monitor everyone who enters. Library employees have many duties and do not serve as a substitute for daycare or babysitting.  .

Purpose
Children and vulnerable adults could be approached by or tempted to leave with an unscrupulous stranger.  They could become frightened, anxious, or ill; could have no place to go in the event of an unexpected closing; or could encounter hazards.  Additionally, they usually lack the necessary maturity to handle emergency situations such as severe weather, fire, or civil disturbance.
Therefore, the Library will adhere to the following guidelines concerning the care and behavior of children and vulnerable adults:
• Children under the age of twelve (12) and vulnerable adults/children who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the Library and must have adequate supervision while in the library.

• Children ages ten (10) and eleven (11) may visit the library to check out a book      (within a reasonable amount of time, 30 min)

• Children age nine (9) and under should be under the direct supervision of a parent, legal guardian or custodian (14 yrs+) and remain close enough for direct conversation with that child. **

Library staff will make reasonable effort to contact responsible parties of unattended children and vulnerable children/adults.   Law enforcement officials may be notified to take charge of the situation if responsible parties cannot be reached.  Parents, legal guardians, custodians, caregivers, children and vulnerable adults who are in violation of this policy are subject to suspension of library privileges. 

** This does not apply to Library programming events.