Safe Child Policy

For purposes of this policy the following definitions will be used:

Unattended Children:

* Under 9 years old and unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, or other caregiver;

* Under 9 years old and on a different floor of the Library from a parent, guardian, or other caregiver.

* Under 9 years old and being “supervised” by someone under 14 years old.

Caregiver:

* Any individual, at least 14 years of age who is responsible for a child.

Introduction:

The trustees and staff of the Reading Public Library strive to create a warm, inviting, fun, and safe environment for children. The Library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of books, reading, and learning. The safety and well-being of children at the Library is a serious concern.

The following rules have been established regarding unattended children because we care about the safety of all our customers.

1. Parents or guardians should be responsible for having their children picked up by the time or before the Library is closed.

2. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by a caregiver while in the Library

3. Children ages 9 to 11 should not be left unattended for longer than two hours at a time.

4. Children ages 9 and above should have the telephone number of their parent or guardian or other designated adult available in the event of an emergency or unexpected closing.

5. Should it be determined that a child under age 14 has been left at the Library at closing time, every attempt will be made to contact the child’s parents or other family member. The Reading Police will be called if no one can be reached.

Staff members will remain after hours with an unattended child until the parent, guardian, designated adult or police arrive. The Reading Police plan to go to the child’s home first and leave a message indicating that the officer will be picking the child up at the Library and will bring him or her to the Police Station.

6. Staff members staying with the child will be compensated for time spent waiting.

7. Staff members should fill out an incident report form and leave it for the director when the Police are called.

8. Library staff members will not transport children from the Library to any other location.

9. Parents, guardians, or caretakers who violate the rules stated above risk having their library privileges restricted or revoked.

Approved: 6/03