Unattended Child Policy

The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with the library personnel. Library employees are not responsible for children who are unattended or demonstrating inappropriate behavior.

Children up to age ten (10) must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child. The assigned caregiver must be a responsible person aged sixteen (16) years or above and must be able to provide emergency contact information. If a child in this age group is found unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the library. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, or if the child is found unattended multiple times, the police will be called for assistance. If a child in this age group violates the Library Behavior Policy, the child and the parent/caregiver will be informed of the rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the family may be asked to leave the premises.

Children age ten (10) and older may use the library on their own. However, parents are still responsible for the actions and the well-being of their child(ren). Children who are violating the Avondale Public Library Behavior Policy may be asked to leave the premises.

Teenagers (12-17) are treated as adult users. However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents and should have an emergency contact available. Teenagers who are violating the Avondale Public Library Behavior Policy may be asked to leave the premises.

Closing Time Children who do not have transportation home at closing time will be asked for telephone numbers of people who can pick them up at the library. If a child aged 14 or under is not picked up within 15 minutes of closing, library staff will call the Avondale Police Department to take custody of the child. Two Library staff members will stay with the child after closing until the parent or the police arrive. Under no circumstances will a staff member give a child a ride home, take a child outside the building, or remain in the building alone with an unattended child. Children over the age of 14 may decide to leave on their own. If they need assistance from staff this should be communicated immediately.