Child Safety/Unattended Child Policy

The Hubbard Memorial 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 of all ages. 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 Hubbard Memorial Library.

In order to provide an environment that is safe, inviting and comfortable for children, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted a policy regarding unattended children and child safety.

Parent Expectations & 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.

Policies

  • Children under the age of 10 may not be left unattended in the library. A parent or other responsible caregiver who is at least 14 years of age must accompany children under the age of 10 at all times.

  • During story times or while attending other library programs, pre-school children must have the responsible parent or caregiver present in the same room.

  • Other children under the age of 10 must have the parent or responsible caregiver remain on the same floor during library sponsored programs, and must pick up the child when the program ends.

  • Rules regarding disruptive behavior in the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy apply to children as well. If a child is disruptive, the child may be asked to leave the library. The parent or responsible caregiver may be contacted.

  • If an unaccompanied child under 10 is found in the library or is alone at closing time, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/responsible caretaker. If unsuccessful, the Ludlow Police Department will be contacted. Under no circumstances will a staff member take a child out of the building or transport a child to another location.