Child Safety Policy
Child Safety Policy
The San Rafael Public Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for families and children. To make the Library an enjoyable place and to encourage a love of books, reading, and learning, we offer designated children’s areas, programs, and services for children. We hope you will help your children make effective use of the Library and assist them in selecting books and materials, using technology, or attending programs. Together, we can provide a fun and positive experience when visiting the San Rafael Public Library.
Access to Children’s Areas
The Children’s Area is specifically designed to serve the needs of young customers in our libraries. Children and their caregivers can browse and select materials and use the children’s area and technology. Teens and adults in the Children’s Area are encouraged to browse and select materials in the Children’s Area as well; however, to preserve the Children’s Area for use by children, teens and adults not accompanied by children will be asked to use other areas of the libraries for reading, studying, and other activities. Children are defined as individuals 14 years old and younger.
Unattended Children
Staff members are not responsible for supervising individual children. If your child is under the age of 8, please be sure he/she is supervised at all times by a responsible caregiver aged 15 or older. If library staff cannot locate a parent or caregiver, local law enforcement will be notified to assure the child’s safety.
Parent Expectations and Responsibilities
Because the Library is a public place, children’s safety cannot be guaranteed. Children may encounter hazards such as stairs, elevators, doors, furniture, electrical equipment, or other Library customers. The conduct, safety, and supervision of children while on Library premises is the responsibility of parents, guardians, and caregivers. It is the responsibility of parents, guardians, and caregivers to determine the needs of their children and to provide supervision accordingly. While our staff values the safety of children, only parents, guardians, and caregivers can provide appropriate supervision of children.
Staff Role
The library encourages frequent visits by children and their families. However, library staff cannot provide child care or assume responsibility for children’s safety. Parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior and safety of children visiting the library. Staff cannot be placed in the position of supervising unattended children.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees January 12, 2016