Child Safety Policy

The Lawrence Public Library is a wonderful hub for all of your reading, learning, and entertainment needs! We offer a wide selection of materials and our top priority is the safety and security of all of our patrons, especially our children. We have a stringent child safety policy in place that ensures parents and guardians can trust their children are safe in our library.

The Lawrence Public Library

Strives to create a warm, inviting, fun environment for children of all ages. For the protection of children visiting the library, the following rules have been established:

All children under the age of 8 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver (who is at least 16 years old) at all times while in the library. Parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring that children in their care follow the Patron Behavior Policy.

· At the discretion of a responsible adult, a child age 8 or older who is capable of behaving appropriately may be left unattended for the period of time needed to select library materials, complete a homework assignment, or attend a program. The child must know how to reach the responsible adult in case this need should arise. Children who do not know their address, parent’s full name and parent’s phone number may not stay at the library alone. Children who visit the library alone are expected to understand and follow the Patron Behavior Policy.

· Children and their adult caregivers should be aware of the closing times of the library. If a child has been left at the library without a way home near closing time, library staff will attempt to contact a family member or caregiver by telephone. Staff members are not permitted to remain alone after hours with an unattended child nor give him/her a ride to any location. If a child has not been picked up within 15 minutes of closing time, the police will be called to escort the child home or to keep the child until parents can be reached.

· Children are not allowed in the library during school hours unless they have the permission of, a teacher, caregiver, or parent. Children who miss school due to illness should not visit the library until they are well enough to return to school.

· Adults who are not accompanied by a child may browse and choose library materials in the Children’s Room and Teen Corner. However, these areas are primarily for the use of our younger patrons. Library staff may ask unaccompanied adults to restrict their use of the Children’s Room and Teen Corner to times when children are not usually present (such as during school hours).

· Library computers do not have internet filters. It is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to ensure that children do not access websites that may be inappropriate.