POLICY 2108
Adopted 03/25/2014
LIBRARY SERVICES
Child Safety Policy

The purpose of this policy is to inform parents, guardians and caregivers that the Library cannot ensure their children’s safety if left unattended and to provide guidelines in the event a child is left unattended in the Library. Children should know they can always come to a library staff member if another person is making them feel threatened or uncomfortable.

The Coalinga-Huron Library District is dedicated to providing a welcoming, safe environment to patrons of all ages; and encourages children to use its facilities and services. Parents, guardians or caregivers are solely responsible for the supervision, welfare and behavior of their minor child(ren), and/or the child(ren) in their care in the Library (regardless of the presence or lack of presence in the Library of the parent, guardian, or caregiver), and are solely responsible for any damages caused to library property, employees, and/or patrons by their minor child(ren) and/or the child(ren) in their care. While the staff members are always available to lead young people to interesting materials selected with children’s interests and needs in mind, it shall be assumed that children who visit the Library unattended are authorized to use the full range of materials available to all library patrons.

All computers are filtered to block web sites with adult content, including but not limited to those with sexual themes. However, no filter is full-proof. If a patron is on a web site that library staff deems inappropriate, they will be asked to exit the site immediately. Attempts to return to the same site or bypass the filtering system may result in loss of computer privileges.

• Library staff will not assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of any child.
• A parent, guardian, or other responsible adult must accompany children under age 10 at all times in the Library. Babysitters age 16 or above may take the place of the parent or guardian. (Same)
• The Responsible Party must remain in the immediate vicinity and within line of sight of the child.
• Library staff may not drive children to any location, even at the request of the parent, guardian or caregiver.
• Library facilities are not designed or licensed to provide basic childcare needs or emergency care.
• Children are expected to observe the Behavior Policy of the Coalinga-Huron Library District. If inappropriate behavior occurs, they may be asked to leave the Library. A parent/guardian may be contacted or, if warranted, Child Protective Services will be called.

Any child left unaccompanied for an extended period of time may be approached for information concerning his/her parent, guardian, or assigned caregiver’s availability and informed of the Library’s policy. If the situation continues, the appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified. If a child is left unattended at the time of closing and attempts to reach the parent, guardian, or assigned caregiver have failed, the appropriate law enforcement agency will be called.