STL Policy on Children rev. 2017

Springfield Town Library Policy on Children 

The Library welcomes and encourages all children to use and enjoy its facilities, programs and services. Sharing this environment with other people requires that everyone follow the posted Guidelines for Library Behavior. Library staff members do not serve in the place of parents for children in the Library, and parents should not view the Library as an alternative to childcare.  

All children under 8 years of age must be accompanied and directly supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver who assumes full accountability for the child’s safety and behavior while in the Library. “Directly supervised” means the child and caregiver must be able to observe one another at all times, except when a child is participating in a Library program.   However, the caregiver is expected to remain in the building and rejoin the child immediately following the program. 

If a child under 8 years of age appears to be unattended or unsupervised, Library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver, advise them of this policy and have them return to their child. If a child is left unattended or unsupervised on multiple occasions, the Library will contact the police or Vermont Department of Children & Families. 

Children 8 years of age and older are welcome to use the Library unattended as long as their behavior is in accordance with the posted Guidelines for Library Behavior. As with adults, children who fail to behave appropriately may be asked to leave the Library.  Parents, please remember that even in your absence you are still responsible for the actions and safety of your minor children. For the safety of any children left waiting at the Library after closing time, police will be notified.  

The Children’s Room is reserved for use by children, their parents or caregivers, and adults using the children’s collection. Library staff may ask adults unaccompanied by a child to move to other parts of the library once their selection has been made. The computers in the Children’s Room are solely for use by children. 

Rev. & Adopted 9/6/2011, 8/8/2017