Policy on Unsupervised Children

The policy of the Duxbury Free Library is that the responsibility for children using the library rests with the parent or with the child's caregiver, not with library personnel. Library staff does not take the place of a parent, act as a babysitter, or assume responsibility for unsupervised children.

Guidelines for implementing the policy:

•  Children in grade 2 and younger shall be supervised at all times by a responsible person (defined as an adult or mature teenager who has responsibility for the child).

•  Older children who use the library unsupervised are subject to the same rules and regulations governing behavior and use of the facility as adults. The child must be able to behave appropriately while unsupervised.

•  The length of time the child is left unsupervised should not exceed the child's comfort level with the situation.

•  A child left unsupervised who has become anxious may be reassured by a staff member. The person responsible for the child should be located and the need for his/her presence should be explained.

•  Children using the library unsupervised who have become disruptive will be asked to stop the behavior. If the behavior continues after a second warning, the child may be asked to leave the library. Please refer to Policy for Use of Library .

•  Children left unattended 15 minutes before closing time should be reminded of the time and asked if they need to call for a ride.

•  If a child is left unattended at the close of business hours, two staff members will remain with the child after calling the Duxbury Police to come to the library and monitor the child. Staff may leave when the police arrive.

Adopted 10/14/04, reviewed 02/15/06