Safety and Well-Being of Children

4.9 Unattended Children

The Southeast Arkansas Regional Library encourages people of all ages to visit its libraries. In order to provide for the general safety of children using the library, the general welfare of all persons using the library, and to prevent disruption of library services, the following policies have been established:

1. All children age eight or younger shall, at all times, be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible person age fourteen or older. Adequate supervision requires that the responsible person be in the same room with the child/children at all times.
2. Children over eight years old may use the library unattended, subject to the general rules set forth for all users of the Southeast Arkansas Regional Library system concerning conduct. However, Southeast Arkansas Regional Library staff and administration assume no responsibility for any child left unattended.
3. Parents and Guardians, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children. The library is not a child care provider but a public institution where all patrons have equal right to quiet, quality library services in a safe and relaxed environment.
4. Parents, guardians, and caregivers should be aware of library opening and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and/or transport their children within operating hours.
   1. If the child is not picked up by fifteen minutes after closing, staff will call for police assistance. Officers have the option of taking the child to the police station for their safety and supervision.
   2. Under no circumstances will a staff member transport child or a young adult home or to any other destination.