Sherburne Memorial Library

Child Safety and Supervision Policy

The Sherburne Memorial Library welcomes children and families and strives to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for all patrons. While library staff are committed to serving children, the library is not a childcare facility, and staff cannot assume responsibility for supervising children except during scheduled library programs.

Parents and caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and well-being of children while they are on library property. To ensure a safe and positive environment for everyone, the following policy shall apply:

Children Under Age 9

• Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied and directly supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible caregiver who is at least 16 years of age.
• The supervising adult is responsible for the child’s safety, behavior, and compliance with library policies at all times while on library property.
• Children under age 9 arriving by school bus must have a parent or caregiver present when the bus arrives. If no responsible adult is present, library staff may contact local law enforcement or other appropriate authorities to ensure the child’s safety.

Youth Ages 9 to 15

• Youth ages 9 to 15 may use the library independently provided their behavior complies with all library policies and we have a signed parental form on file.
• Independent use of the library is a privilege that may be restricted if behavior becomes disruptive, unsafe, or disrespectful.

Behavior Expectations

• All children and teens are expected to treat library staff, patrons, furnishings, and materials with respect.
• Children who are disruptive, disrespectful, or fail to follow library policies may be asked to leave and a parent or caregiver may be contacted for immediate pickup.
• Children may not enter the library while excessively wet, muddy, or otherwise likely to damage library property. Parents or caregivers may be contacted to arrange pickup if necessary.

Responsibility for Children

• Children should come to the library for legitimate library purposes, including reading, studying, using library resources, attending programs, or participating in other library activities.
• Library programs are offered regularly but attendance is optional.
• Parents and guardians remain legally responsible for their children’s behavior and actions while at the library, whether or not they are physically present.

Leaving Library Building

• The American Library Association (ALA) maintains that public libraries cannot act in loco parentis (in the place of a parent). Library staff do not supervise children. Therefore, if a child leaves the library building, staff do not monitor the child’s whereabouts or activities. The responsibility of the child remains with the parent, caregiver or guardian.

Closing Time

• Parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring that children are picked up before library closing time.
• If a child remains at the library after closing and staff are unable to reach a parent, guardian, or emergency contact, local law enforcement may be contacted.
• Repeated incidents of children being left at the library after closing may result in restrictions on the child’s ability to visit the library without adult supervision. The length and conditions of any restriction shall be determined by the Library Director.

The Library Director shall have the authority to interpret and enforce this policy in a manner that protects the safety of children, staff, and patrons.

NOTICE: Library staff are not responsible for supervising or monitoring individuals outside the facility. For emergencies or public safety concerns, please contact 911 or the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Revised and adopted July 2026