The Otsego County Library is concerned for the safety and well-being of children left unattended in the library.
We urge parents to remember that the library is a public building and it is not in any child’s best interest to be left here unattended. The library has implemented the following policy for the safety of all children visiting the library.
- Children under the age of eight years must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver (age 14 or over) at all times while in the library.
- Children nine through thirteen may visit the library without a caregiver for reasonable periods of time, but parents are responsible for their behavior and will be contacted if necessary. Reasonable periods of time may vary with a child’s maturity, but more than two hours is not recommended.
- Youth who are fourteen or more do not require adult supervision. However, should disciplinary problems arise; the library may ask the youth to leave. In that event, the library assumes no further responsibility for the youth.
If problems arise while younger children are using the library or if they are left alone, the library staff will attempt to contact the parents. If the library staff is unable to reach the parents, local law enforcement will be contacted.
Parents are encouraged to be at the library no later than five minutes before closing to pick up children. FURTHER EXPLANATION:
Under no circumstances will the library assume custodial responsibility for any child. An unattended child is any child under the age of eight who is in the library unaccompanied by a parent or responsible caregiver (age fourteen or over).
Parents, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children using the library and may be held liable for any damage they cause.
This policy/procedure was reviewed and approved by The Library Board of Trustees at a regular meeting on November 19, 2013. All policies and procedures may be reviewed at any time.