The Brumback Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services. However, in an effort to provide an environment that allows all patrons to utilize library materials and information sources in a safe, relaxed manner, the care and behavior of minor children visiting The Brumback Library is the responsibility of the parent/guardian or caregiver. The library does not act in loco parentis and library staff members have many duties and cannot supervise children nor are they trained to act as a substitute for daycare. The Brumback Library makes every effort to provide a safe, comfortable environment for children to use, and we recognize that the safety for children deserves special consideration.
Therefore, the following provisions apply to children using The Brumback Library:
- Children under the age of 8 must have a parent/guardian or caregiver in the immediate vicinity. If the child is attending a Library program, the parent must remain in the building at all times.
- Children between the ages of 8 and 13 may use the library on their own. However, parents are still responsible for the actions and the well-being of their child(ren).
- Teenagers are treated as adult users. However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents.
If a child is left unattended or if there is an issue with supervision, the staff will attempt to do the following:
- Locate the child's parent/guardian or caregiver.
- If the librarian is unable to reach the parent/guardian within 30 minutes, they will contact the Van Wert Police Department or Van Wert County Sheriff's Office to report the presence of an unattended minor in the library and ask that they be picked up.
- Staff will remain with the unattended child until they are picked up by their parent/guardian, caregiver or local authorities.
- Under no circumstances are staff members permitted to give the child(ren) a ride home.
- No child is to remain in the library after hours, unless the appropriate police or sheriff’s department has been notified. Two staff members are required to stay with children until they are picked up.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees 10/17/24