Unattended Children Policy
Updated July 11, 2017
The Library does not provide care or supervision of children, except to the extent needed to uphold Library rules of conduct and use. The Library does not accept responsibility for care or supervision of children who are not accompanied by an adult or designated caregiver. The Library is not able to provide short- or long-term childcare and is not a substitute for supervised after-school or daycare programs. Parents or designated caregivers are solely responsible for their children's supervision and behavior while using the Library. The Watervliet Public Library has developed the following guidelines for the safety and protection of children using the Library:
Children Age 10 or younger must be accompanied by an adult or responsible adolescent (age 14 and older).
The designated caregiver must stay with children at all times. If children are participating in a storytime or other Library program, the designated caregiver must remain on Library premises and be in visual and/or voice contact with the children. If a child age 10 or under is found to be unattended in the library, a staff member may use the library phone to contact the child's parent or guardian to arrange for the child to be picked up. If contact with a parent or guardian cannot be made, Library staff will contact the Watervliet Police Department. In cases where children age 10 or younger are left unattended in the Library on more than one occasion, library staff may refer the matter to the Watervliet Police Department or other appropriate social service authorities.
All Library users must adhere to the Library’s Customer Behavior Policy. Parents are advised that if their child misbehaves, the child may be asked to leave the Library and the Library premises. Parents must realize that, even when not present, they are legally responsible for their child's behavior.
Children Age 10 or younger must be accompanied by an adult or responsible adolescent (age 14 and older).
The designated caregiver must stay with children at all times. If children are participating in a storytime or other Library program, the designated caregiver must remain on Library premises and be in visual and/or voice contact with the children. If a child age 10 or under is found to be unattended in the library, a staff member may use the library phone to contact the child's parent or guardian to arrange for the child to be picked up. If contact with a parent or guardian cannot be made, Library staff will contact the Watervliet Police Department. In cases where children age 10 or younger are left unattended in the Library on more than one occasion, library staff may refer the matter to the Watervliet Police Department or other appropriate social service authorities.
All Library users must adhere to the Library’s Customer Behavior Policy. Parents are advised that if their child misbehaves, the child may be asked to leave the Library and the Library premises. Parents must realize that, even when not present, they are legally responsible for their child's behavior.
