Revised and Approved May 20, 2025
Purpose
The Pillsbury Free Library strives to provide a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment
to serve the informational, recreational, and intellectual needs of users of all ages. The purpose of
this policy is to ensure the safety of children in our facility. It is expected that the responsibility for
the care, safety, and behavior of the child(ren) will rest with the parent/guardian or caregiver. A
caregiver must be at least 12 years of age.
Responsibilities and Supervision Levels
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their children follow the library rules. Parents/guardians may authorize caregivers to accompany their children to the Library, and should make sure these individuals understand the Library Code of Conduct.
Children under 6: Parents/guardians/caregivers must be in the immediate vicinity at all times.
Children 6, 7 and 8: A parent/guardian/caregiver must be in the building unless the child is participating in a library program for which they have been registered.
Children 9, 10 and 11 must have a parent/guardian/caregiver in the library for any stay exceeding an hour, unless registered for a program.
If a child under 12 is unaccompanied by an adult or appropriate-aged caregiver for more than an hour, or exhibits behaviors of concern to staff while a parent is absent, the staff will follow procedures for emergencies and closings.
For programs designed for school age children not accompanied by a caregiver, the parent/guardian must register their child(ren). There must be a viable contact method known to staff. If a library staff member is to walk the child from the school to the program, the parent/guardian must authorize the school to release the child into the care of the library staff member. An approved caregiver must pick up the child from the Library at the agreed time at the end of the program.
Children under age 12 may not be in the elevator without their parent or caregiver.
Unaccompanied Children
Children 12-18: Parents who give their child [ages 12-18] permission to be at the library unaccompanied, must make sure their child is aware of the rules and behavior expectations, and be aware of Library closing times. Emergency contact information should be known by the child.
If behavior of any age person in the library is inappropriate, they will be reminded by staff of the Code of Conduct. If the behavior continues, they may be asked to leave. If an unaccompanied minor is asked to leave, a parent/guardian/caregiver will be notified if possible. If contact information is unknown, emergency services will be contacted.
Revised and Adopted by the Board of Trustees: May 20, 2025.
See also Related Policies:
Availability of Library Services
Code of Conduct Policy (2022)
Computer Use and Internet Safety Policy
Meeting Room Policy (2021)