Unattended Children Policy
The East Rutherford Memorial Library is concerned for the safety and well being of children left unattended in the library.
The staff has many duties to perform in order to serve all patrons. Library staff cannot monitor the behavior and safety of children while in the Library. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the Library lies with the parent/caregiver and not with the Library staff.
We urge parents to remember that the library is a public building and it is not in any child’s best interest to be left here unattended. The library has implemented the following policy for the safety of all children visiting the library.
Children under the age of 9 years must be accompanied by an adult caregiver at all times while in the library, or other responsible caregiver age 13 or older at all times while on library property.
Children 9 years of age and over may be in the library without an adult for a period of time that reflects their age and maturity, providing they follow all the library rules and adhere to the Code of Conduct Policy. If children do not comply with these rules and policies, library staff may ask them to leave the library and the police may be contacted. If a child of this age group is not able to leave the Library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library alone. Children must also have the phone number of a parent/caregiver that may be contacted in an emergency.
Parents are required to be at the library no later than fifteen minutes before closing to pick up children. Parents are responsible to be aware of the Library’s hours of operation. There will be a one-time warning to parents/caregivers. Should this happen again, children will be released to the East Rutherford Police.
Parents should also be aware that the library may close due to emergencies, such as inclement weather, electrical or heat related issues, etc. It may be necessary to close the library unexpectedly. Children should know what to do should something of this nature occur. If children are left unattended during an emergency situation, the above procedure for a regular closing will be followed.
Parents, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children using the library and may be held liable for any damage their children may cause.
Amended September, 2015
Amended May, 2019
The East Rutherford Memorial Library is concerned for the safety and well being of children left unattended in the library.
The staff has many duties to perform in order to serve all patrons. Library staff cannot monitor the behavior and safety of children while in the Library. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the Library lies with the parent/caregiver and not with the Library staff.
We urge parents to remember that the library is a public building and it is not in any child’s best interest to be left here unattended. The library has implemented the following policy for the safety of all children visiting the library.
Children under the age of 9 years must be accompanied by an adult caregiver at all times while in the library, or other responsible caregiver age 13 or older at all times while on library property.
Children 9 years of age and over may be in the library without an adult for a period of time that reflects their age and maturity, providing they follow all the library rules and adhere to the Code of Conduct Policy. If children do not comply with these rules and policies, library staff may ask them to leave the library and the police may be contacted. If a child of this age group is not able to leave the Library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library alone. Children must also have the phone number of a parent/caregiver that may be contacted in an emergency.
Parents are required to be at the library no later than fifteen minutes before closing to pick up children. Parents are responsible to be aware of the Library’s hours of operation. There will be a one-time warning to parents/caregivers. Should this happen again, children will be released to the East Rutherford Police.
Parents should also be aware that the library may close due to emergencies, such as inclement weather, electrical or heat related issues, etc. It may be necessary to close the library unexpectedly. Children should know what to do should something of this nature occur. If children are left unattended during an emergency situation, the above procedure for a regular closing will be followed.
Parents, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children using the library and may be held liable for any damage their children may cause.
Amended September, 2015
Amended May, 2019