Safe Child Policy

The Kent Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming, exciting and safe environment for people of all ages.  It is for the safety of each child that the Library has adopted this 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 the residents in Kent.  Library staff cannot monitor the behavior and safety of children using 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 10 must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult (18 years or older).  If a child under the age of 10 is attending a Library program, a parent/caregiver must be in the building and aware of the location and behavior of his/her child.

Children ages 10--17 may use the library on their own 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, he/she 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.

1. If no ride has arrived within 15 minutes after closing time the staff will call the Kent Police Department.  Two library staff members will wait for the Police with the child.
2. Staff will record the parent’s/caregiver’s name, address, telephone number and the child’s name.
3. Once found, the parent/caregiver will be given a copy of the Safe Child Policy.
4. Staff will refer any additional incidents to the Police Department.

Violation of the Safe Child Policy may result in suspension of Library privileges for the family.
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Approved by the Kent Library board on October 21, 2008

Review Cycle: 2 years
Review History: