CARLSBAD PUBLIC LIBRARY
SAFE CHILD POLICY
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Safe Child Policy is to establish responsibility for the safety, supervision, and behavior of children using the Carlsbad Public Library.
POLICY STATEMENT
The Carlsbad Public Library welcomes children of all ages. We hope that by visiting the Library and using the resources we offer, children will develop a lifelong love of reading and learning.
RESPONSIBILITY
The well-being of children who visit the Library is a serious concern to the staff, and we attempt to ensure their safety at all times. Staff members have many duties to perform in order to serve our patrons and cannot monitor the behavior or whereabouts of each child. Library staff members do not take over parental responsibilities for children who visit the Library. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children lies with their parents, both within the Library building and on Library grounds.
SUPERVISION
Children may be left unattended to take part in the Summer Reading Program and other children's programs provided a parent or caregiver picks up the child promptly at the program's end. At all other times, children younger than seven must be accompanied by a parent or a caregiver at least fourteen years of age designated by the parent. Older children may be left unattended in the Library provided they comply with the Rules Governing the Conduct of Patrons of the Library/Museum. However, parents are reminded that unexpected events can occur while their children are here unattended: the child could wander out of the Library on his own; the child could be approached by untrustworthy people who sometimes visit public buildings; the child could be physically injured or become ill. Parents and caregivers should provide unattended children with a phone number where they may be reached in case of an emergency, and they should be aware of Library hours.
Approximately 30 minutes before closing, the Librarian in charge will ask unattended children to phone their parents to arrange to be picked up. If the parent has not arrived at closing time, the Librarian will remain with the child and attempt to reach the parent. If the parent cannot be reached or has not arrived within 15 minutes, the Librarian in charge will call the Department of Public Safety, remaining with the child until a law enforcement officer arrives to escort the child home.
BEHAVIOR
All children are expected to abide by the Rules Governing the Conduct of Patrons. If disruptive, a child is reminded of this policy; if disruptive behavior continues, the Librarian in charge will attempt to reach the parent. If, after a reasonable amount of time, the parent cannot be reached, the Librarian in charge will contact the Department of Public Safety.
Policy adopted by the Carlsbad Library Board of Trustees on 3/19/03