The Sherman Library
Child Behavior and Supervision Policy

The Sherman Library Board and staff strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for all library users.  Service to children of all ages is an important part of the Sherman Library mission.

• The library is a place open to all individuals.  This policy has been designed to communicate the concern of the trustees and staff and enlist the support of parents and caregivers to ensure the safety and welfare of the children who use the Sherman Library.

• Children are expected to comply with the Sherman Library Code of Conduct.
  

• Parents or caregivers are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children while on library premises. 

• Children under the age of twelve may not be left unattended unless participating in a library program. A parent or caregiver must remain in the library if their child is attending a preschool program.

• The library staff is not responsible for providing supervision and care for children while they use the library.  The staff does not monitor children who leave the library, nor is it the staff responsibility to know where they go or whom they leave with.

• All library users are required to respect library property and to act in an appropriate manner as stated in our Library Code of Conduct Policy. A child who is disruptive or who requires excessive staff attention, may be asked to leave the library after proper warning. 

• Parents or caregivers should be aware that behavior of small children could be disruptive to others especially in the adult areas of the library. In such instances staff may request that the child be removed temporarily.

• Parents, or caregivers are expected to pick up their children before the library closes.

If a child has been left unattended at closing, the library staff may assist him/her in calling home to arrange for transportation. The staff is not permitted to take a child out of the building or to transport him/her to another location. However, if the child is not picked up within 15 minutes after closing, the police may be called to take responsibility.

Enforcement: The Sherman Library Director or designated staff shall use reasonable discretion in interpreting and enforcing these guidelines to the benefit of other library patrons. All decisions, determinations and actions taken by the Library Director with respect to this policy are final and not subject to review.

The Sherman Library Board of Trustees April 2009

*Parents, and caregivers are referred to Connecticut General Statute 53-21a, which describes the legal consequences that can result from leaving children under the age of twelve unattended in a public place.