Children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to use the library’s materials, programs and services. However, the library is an open, public building, and the well-being of children left alone is a serious concern. The library does not accept responsibility for the supervision of unattended children. Parents and other caregivers are responsible for their children’s behavior and safety at all times in the library.
The Board of Trustees has established the following guidelines to help ensure that children are safe and cared for while in the library:
- Children under the age of eight (8) must be attended in the library by a responsible caregiver age thirteen (13) or older.
- At the parent or guardian’s election, children age eight (8) and older may be left unattended for a reasonably limited period of time provided that they are mature enough to stay alone and observe proper conduct during the entirety of such time. In the event an unaccompanied child violates the Library’s Code of Conduct in a manner that requires exclusion from the library for a prolonged period of time, staff will attempt to contact a parent or caregiver to apprise them of the circumstances and decisions.
- Staff members have the discretion to require that a parent or caregiver accompany a child at all times, regardless of their age.
- A staff member who discovers an unattended child under the age of eight (8) will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of the child. For the child’s protection, if a parent or guardian cannot be reached promptly, the library staff will notify the Princeton Police Department.
- When the library closes, staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of any unattended child. If a parent or guardian cannot be located or contacted within a half hour, the Princeton Police Department will be notified.