510. Unattended Children Policy

 Purpose

  • To promote the safety and well-being of children and maintain an environment that supports constructive library use.
  • The Karl Junginger Memorial Library welcomes children and provides library staff to assist children with library materials, resources, and services. The library strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and appropriate environment for visitors of all ages.
  • The library is not equipped, nor is it the library’s role, to provide short-term or long-term childcare or supervision.
  • Use of the library is a shared experience. All patrons are expected to follow the Rules for Patron Code of Conduct established by the Board of Library Trustees. The Rules for Patron Code of Conduct are available upon request and on the library’s website.

  Supervision

  • Children eight (8) years of age or younger must be accompanied and adequately supervised at all times by a responsible adult or mature adolescent twelve (12) years of age or older while using the library. This requirement also applies to children participating in library programs, unless otherwise specified.
  • Children nine (9) through twelve (12) years of age may use the library without adult supervision, provided they maintain appropriate behavior and comply with all library policies. 
  • Children who regularly visit the library unattended (two or more days per week) may remain in the library unattended for a maximum of two hours per day.
  • Children may be considered unattended if causing disturbances, even if the parent/guardian is in the library building.
  • Teenagers may use the library independently and are expected to follow all library policies and procedures. Parents or guardians remain responsible for the behavior and well-being of their minor teens.
  • All children and teenagers should have a parent, guardian, or other emergency contact available by telephone in case of an emergency or if they have been suspended from the library.
  • The library director has the authority to alter the policy of age limit supervision requirements to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Loitering is prohibited on all library property. Loitering is defined as sitting or standing idly, sleeping, or wandering without any discernible legitimate reason, either inside or outside the library building in areas that obstruct other library patrons’ access to the library. Sleeping or lying down on outdoor library benches or patio tables is also prohibited.

Staff Intervention 

  • Children who engage in disruptive or inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library building and property. Procedures for addressing inappropriate behavior will be implemented as necessary. If a situation presents a safety concern or otherwise warrants police assistance, library staff may contact the police.
  • Library staff will make reasonable attempts to contact the parent or guardian of an unattended child. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child will be placed in the care of the Waterloo Police Department.

Library Closing

  • The Karl Junginger Memorial Library is not responsible for supervising children who remain unattended on library premises, including before or after scheduled programs or events.
  • Library staff will not transport children home or otherwise provide transportation unless approved by the parent or guardian under special circumstances.
  • If a child twelve (12) years of age or younger has not been picked up at closing, library staff may contact the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, or if the circumstances warrant, the matter may be referred to the Waterloo Police Department.

Parents and guardians are responsible for determining what library materials and media are appropriate for their children. If you have concerns about what your child, of any age, reads, views, or accesses at the library, we recommend that you visit the library with your child. Library staff cannot act in place of parents or guardians in supervising or directing a child’s use of library materials and media.

Approved: 2013

Amended: 01/28/2014, 05/19/2017, 08/11/2020, 08/24/2022, 09/24/2024, 09/23/2026