Safe Child Policy
The safety of children left alone in the Library is a serious concern of the Library staff. The staff, however, has many duties to perform in order to serve all patrons. Library staff cannot monitor the behavior and safety of children while in the Library. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the Library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with the Library staff.
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied and closely supervised at all times by a responsible caregiver (14 years or older). If a child under the age of 8 is attending a Library program, a parent/caregiver must be in the building and aware of the location and behavior of their child.
Children ages 8 and older may use the Library unattended for an amount of time appropriate for their age and maturity provided that they comply with all Library rules and the Patron Code of Conduct. Parents/caregivers are still, however, responsible for the behavior of their children. If children do not comply with Library rules and the Patron Code of Conduct, Library staff may ask them to leave the Library and the police may be contacted. If a child of this age group is not able to leave the Library without an adult, they should not be in the Library alone. Children must also have the phone number of a parent/caregiver that may be contacted in an emergency.
UNATTENDED CHILDREN AFTER CLOSING TIME
The Library is not responsible for children without a ride home at closing. Library staff will exercise appropriate procedures to ensure the safety of unattended children when the Library is closing.
Parents/caregivers are responsible for being aware of the Library’s hours of operation. Parents/caregivers must also keep in mind that the Library may close unexpectedly for reasons out of the control of staff, such as a power outage, loss of heat, inclement weather, etc. Children should know what to do should this occur. Library staff cannot give rides to any child.
The Library may have sudden emergencies such as lack of heat or electricity. This may necessitate the Library closing without warning. Significant inclement weather may also necessitate the Library closing. Children should know what to do if the Library must close unexpectedly. If a child is left unattended during an emergency closing, then the same guidelines outlined above under regularly scheduled closings will apply.
UNATTENDED ADULTS
In order to encourage a safe environment in the Children’s Room, the Library requires that adults who are unaccompanied by a child or children who are not actively looking for materials, waiting for a child attending a Library program, using the Meeting Room, or otherwise actively engaged in the use of the Children’s Room may be asked to use the facilities, services, and equipment in the adult sections of the library.
ENFORCEMENT
Violation of the Safe Child Policy may result in suspension of Library privileges for the adult or family in question.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, February 12, 2025
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied and closely supervised at all times by a responsible caregiver (14 years or older). If a child under the age of 8 is attending a Library program, a parent/caregiver must be in the building and aware of the location and behavior of their child.
Children ages 8 and older may use the Library unattended for an amount of time appropriate for their age and maturity provided that they comply with all Library rules and the Patron Code of Conduct. Parents/caregivers are still, however, responsible for the behavior of their children. If children do not comply with Library rules and the Patron Code of Conduct, Library staff may ask them to leave the Library and the police may be contacted. If a child of this age group is not able to leave the Library without an adult, they should not be in the Library alone. Children must also have the phone number of a parent/caregiver that may be contacted in an emergency.
UNATTENDED CHILDREN AFTER CLOSING TIME
The Library is not responsible for children without a ride home at closing. Library staff will exercise appropriate procedures to ensure the safety of unattended children when the Library is closing.
Parents/caregivers are responsible for being aware of the Library’s hours of operation. Parents/caregivers must also keep in mind that the Library may close unexpectedly for reasons out of the control of staff, such as a power outage, loss of heat, inclement weather, etc. Children should know what to do should this occur. Library staff cannot give rides to any child.
- If no ride has arrived within 15 minutes after closing time the staff will call the Glen Ridge Police Department. Two Library staff members will wait for the Police with the child.
- Staff will record the parent’s/caregiver’s name, address, telephone number and the child’s name.
- Once found, the parent/caregiver will be given a copy of the Safe Child Policy.
- Staff will refer any additional incidents to the Police Department.
The Library may have sudden emergencies such as lack of heat or electricity. This may necessitate the Library closing without warning. Significant inclement weather may also necessitate the Library closing. Children should know what to do if the Library must close unexpectedly. If a child is left unattended during an emergency closing, then the same guidelines outlined above under regularly scheduled closings will apply.
UNATTENDED ADULTS
In order to encourage a safe environment in the Children’s Room, the Library requires that adults who are unaccompanied by a child or children who are not actively looking for materials, waiting for a child attending a Library program, using the Meeting Room, or otherwise actively engaged in the use of the Children’s Room may be asked to use the facilities, services, and equipment in the adult sections of the library.
ENFORCEMENT
Violation of the Safe Child Policy may result in suspension of Library privileges for the adult or family in question.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, February 12, 2025
