Safe Child Policy
Massanutten Regional Library welcomes children of all ages. In order to ensure the safety of every child within our library facilities, the responsibility for the care, safety, and behavior of children using the libraries rest with parent/caregiver. MRL staff members cannot supervise children in the place of the parent/caregiver. The following rules apply to all library buildings, surrounding outdoor spaces, and parking lots.
Caregiver is defined as a parent, guardian, or designated person responsible for children while they are visiting the library. All caregivers supervising children during their visit to the library must be 16 years of age or older.
Age
Children under 12 years of age must have a responsible caregiver in the child's immediate vicinity at all times, including at library programs. If a child under 12 is left unattended and a caregiver cannot be located or contacted, the appropriate police will be contacted through the non-emergency numbers.
Children 12 years and older may use the library unattended, but still must observe the rules set out in the MRL Patron Responsibilities and Conduct policy. Caregivers are still responsible for the actions of their children even when unattended. Regardless of age, children must have a telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.
Closings
If closing following normal operating hours, an unattended child will be asked to identify and call a caregiver to confirm that they will be picked up no later than closing time. At closing time, every effort will be made to contact the caregiver. Staff (multiple if possible) will remain with the child 15 minutes after closing. After this period police non-emergency will be contacted and staff will stay only until police arrive. These steps will also be followed if the library is forced to close ahead of normal operating hours for inclement weather, loss of power, or other reasons.
If closing in an emergency, library staff will take an unattended child to another location in accordance with emergency and evacuation plans.
Disruptive Behavior
An unattended child who is disruptive or fails to follow the Patron Responsibilities and Conduct policy will be given one warning and then asked to leave. When asked to leave, reasonable attempts will be made to contact the caregiver to make them aware of the behavior and that the child is leaving the property. Repeated incidents of disruptive behavior may be grounds for library staff to contact the appropriate police for assistance.
