SAFE CHILD POLICY

PURPOSE
The Fox Lake Public Library strives to create a welcoming environment for patrons of all ages. FLPL wants children of all ages to have a positive experience and feel safe during a visit. However, the responsibility for the care, safety and behavior of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian or caregiver, whether onsite or not.

A. Children attending the library and library sponsored programs.

  1. All children are subject to the adherence of the Code of Conduct. A disruptive child will be asked to leave the library. Habitual/unacceptable behavior problem will result in suspension for the library or limitations in library privileges.
  2. Children must know how to reach an adult in case of an emergency. The library telephone can be made available if a child needs to contact a parent/guardian for emergency purposes.

B. Staff responsibilities

  1. Library staff are not authorized or mandated to act in loco parentis (in place of the parent). Library staff are not a substitute for childcare.
  2. Library staff cannot monitor the arrival or departure of any child from the building. No public place, including libraries, can guarantee the safety of children. Library staff cannot prevent children from interacting or leaving the library with person(s) who may also be in the building.
  3. Library staff will enforce the library Code of Conduct for disruptive behavior. The parent/guardian will be contacted for a violation of the policy, if library staff feels it is required.
  4. For the safety and privacy of all patrons, library staff will not disclose over the phone that a particular person, including child(ren), is in the library, nor will staff seek out a particular patron at the caller’s request. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the library staff in the case of an emergency.

C. Children after closing.

  1. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian, and child, to have arrangements for a child at closing time. The library telephone can be made available to a child that needs to call for a ride.
  2. Library staff shall not wait past closing time with an unattended child.
  3. Library staff will not transport any child unrelated to them.
  4. Library staff reserves the right to call law enforcement if a child is left past closing.

D. Adults in the Children’s area

  1. Adults unaccompanied by minor child(ren), cannot remain in the children’s area for the purpose other than browsing materials and/or resources.
  2. Unaccompanied adults sitting in the children’s area are considered loitering and will be asked to relocate or leave the library.

Board approval: December 3, 2024