Nottawa Township Library strives to provide an environment that is inviting, pleasant, and safe for all patrons. Children are encouraged to use and enjoy library facilities and services. While the library seeks to maintain a safe and secure environment, it must be recognized that the library is a public building. 

A parent/guardian, or caregiver, who is at least 13 years of age, must accompany children 10 years of age and younger.  A caregiver must carry emergency contact information for the child.  Responsibility for the safety and behavior of children while in the library rests with the parent/guardian, or caregiver, not library personnel.  The library is not equipped, nor is it the library’s role, to provide daycare.

All library patrons, including children, are expected to follow the Library Rules of Behavior established by the Nottawa Township Library Board.  Children, 10 years of age and older, must be mature enough to adhere to the Library Rules of Behavior  when not accompanied by a parent/guardian or caregiver.  As a general rule, if the parent feels a child is not mature enough to be left home alone without supervision, he or she is not mature enough to be left unattended at the library.

Children, 10 years of age and older, should not be left unattended at the library for more than one hour. In the experience of the library staff, after one-hour children tend to become bored and disruptive.  In accordance with the Library's Rules of Behavior, the child can be asked to leave the library if the disruptive behavior continues after a verbal warning.

Parents must be aware of the library’s hours of operation.  They must also be aware that emergencies occur and the library may have to close unexpectedly due to Weather Related Closing or power outages.   The staff will try to reach a parent/guardian when these situations occur. 

The Library staff cannot transport a child even if the parent gives permission over the phone. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached within 10 minutes of the library’s closing, the staff will notify the local police to come to pick up the child. When possible two staff members will wait with the child until a parent/guardian or the police arrive.  A copy of the “Unattended Child Policy” will be given to the parent/guardian or to the police to give to the parent/guardian.

If a parent/guardian repeatedly leaves a child unattended at the library after being informed of the library’s “Unattended Child Policy”, the staff has the right to notify the police to pick up the child.

Approved by the Nottawa Township Library Board:   11/16/05      

To be reviewed:  11/2006