CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS IN THE LIBRARY POLICY

 

I.          Purpose

 

Children and vulnerable adults are welcome and encouraged to always use the Addison Township Public Library (“Library”). The Library desires to make each visit an important one.  The Addison Township Public Library Board (“Library Board”) adopts the following Children and Vulnerable Adults in the Library Policy (“Policy”) with regard to children and vulnerable adults at the Library.  

 

II.        Definitions

 

            A.        “Child” means an individual under the age of 18.

 

B.        “Vulnerable Adult” means an individual age 18 or over who, because of developmental disability, mental illness, physical disability, or other similar reasons, (1) requires supervision or personal care or (2) lacks the personal and social skills required to live independently.

 

C.        “Responsible Caregiver” is a parent, guardian or other individual who is responsible for monitoring or caring for a child or vulnerable adult and who must be at least 16 years old.

           

III.       Rules and Regulations Regarding Children

 

A.        All patrons, including children, are expected to comply with the Library’s policies, including its Code of Conduct Policy.  Responsible Caregivers shall review and be fully aware of all Library policies governing children, particularly the Internet Use Policy.

 

B.        Responsible Caregivers are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children regardless of age while in the Library.  Responsible Caregivers are responsible for any material reviewed or checked out by the children in their care.

 

            C.        Library Staff will not be expected to supervise or monitor children’s behavior.  

 

D.        Children under the age of twelve (12) must be attended by a Responsible Caregiver.  The Responsible Caregiver shall remain in the Library at all times.   If a child under the age of 12 is attending a Library-sponsored program on the premises, the Responsible Caregiver must remain on the premises for the duration of the program. 

 

E.         Children of any age who, because of developmental disability, mental illness, physical disability, or other similar reason, require supervision or personal care shall be attended by a Responsible Caregiver at all times.

 

F.        Children ages six (6) and under must be within the visual contact of a Responsible Caregiver at all times, including during programs and visits to the restroom.  Children six (6) and under may not be left in the Children’s Area alone.

 

G.        Staff will not be responsible if unattended children of any age leave the Library premises alone or with other persons.  Further, staff will not be responsible for children who may be asked to leave the Library if the child is in violation of Library policy.

 

H.        We request that all unattended children be picked up at least ten minutes before closing time.  Responsible Caregivers need to be aware of when the Library closes.

           

I.          Children twelve (12) years or older must know their telephone number and other contact information if they are unattended at the Library.  It is a violation of Library policy not to come immediately and pick up your unattended child if the Library calls. 

 

IV.       Rules and Regulations Regarding Vulnerable Adults

 

A.        All patrons, including vulnerable adults are expected to comply with the Library’s policies, including its Code of Conduct Policy.  Responsible Caregivers shall review and be fully aware of all Library policies, particularly the Internet Use Policy.

 

B.        Responsible Caregivers are responsible for the behavior and supervision of the vulnerable adult in their care while in the Library or on Library property.

 

C.        Vulnerable adults who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves or who do not have the ability to use the Library independently may not be left alone in the Library and must have adequate supervision while in the Library.

 

D.        Vulnerable adults who can understand and follow the Code of Conduct Policy and who can care for themselves are allowed to be in the Library unattended. They should have contact information for someone who can assist them in an emergency.

 

E.         We request that all vulnerable adults be picked up at least ten minutes before closing time.  Responsible Caregivers need to be aware of when the Library closes.

           

F.         Vulnerable adults must know their telephone number and other contact information if they are unattended at the Library.  It is a violation of Library policy not to come immediately and pick up your vulnerable adult if the Library calls.

 

V.       Contact with Parent or Guardian for Unattended Child or Vulnerable Adult

 

A.        Library staff will attempt to contact a Responsible Caregiver when:

 

                        1.         The health or safety of an unattended child or vulnerable adult is in doubt;

 

                        2.         A child or vulnerable adult is frightened while alone at the Library;

 

3.         The behavior of an unattended child or vulnerable adult violates Library policy.

 

4.         The unattended child twelve (12) years of age or younger or vulnerable adult has not been met by a parent, legal guardian, custodian, or Responsible Caregiver at closing time.  An individual is considered an unattended vulnerable adult when he/she is not picked up by closing time and needs assistance procuring transportation.  A child is considered unattended at closing time if the child is under the age of 12 or a child of any age needs assistance procuring transportation.

 

B.        If a parent, legal guardian, or Responsible Caregiver cannot be reached within 15 minutes after closing, fails to arrive within a reasonable time after being contacted, or arrives 30 minutes or more after the Library closes, Library staff will contact law enforcement officials to take charge of the situation involving the unattended child or vulnerable adult.  Library employees are not permitted to transport an unattended child or vulnerable adult under any circumstances.

 

C.        If the parent, legal guardian, Responsible Caregiver can be reached within 10 minutes after closing and arrives in a reasonable time, the staff member shall explain the Library’s policy and provide a copy of this Policy.

 

D.        Two Library staff members shall remain with the unattended child or vulnerable adult until the Responsible Caregiver or law enforcement arrives. 

 

VI.        Violation; Enforcement; Appeal

 

Any violation of this policy shall be processed in the same manner and format as a violation of the Library's Code of Conduct Policy.  The violation, enforcement and appeal provisions of the Code of Conduct Policy shall govern violations, enforcement and appeals for the Unattended Children Policy.

Policy added and approved by the Addison Twp Public Library Board October 2025