Meadows Valley Public Library

Children of all ages are encouraged to use the Meadows Valley Public
Library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance and
it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and
enjoyable for the child.

The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times
and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However,
children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually
disruptive will be given a warning that he/she must settle down or
will be asked to leave the library. Library staff is not expected to
assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the
library. Therefore, it is the library policy that all children under age
eight must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible
person while in the library.

In the case of an emergency or unexpected library closing, every
reasonable effort will be made by the staff to assist the child in
contacting an appropriate adult. If no responsible adult is reached
or the child is not picked up within 30 minutes of library closing,
library personnel may notify the police to assume custody of the child.

Levels of supervision required:

1. Children under the age of three must always be in close proximity
and within sight of the adult responsible for their safety.

2. Children under the age of eight must be directly supervised by a
parent or responsible caregiver at all times while in the library.

3. Children eight and older may be left unattended providing they are
mature enough to follow library rules and observe proper conduct. 
Such children are subject to the same rules of behavior as other
patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave
the library.

4. Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by a
parent, guardian, or caregiver age 12 or older at all times and in all
areas of the library and its property except when participating in a
library sponsored children’s program, such as Story Time.

The Board of Trustees of the Meadows Valley Public Library adopts
this statement of policy November 17, 2003.

This statement of policy is subject to amendment at any time by
the Board of Trustees of the Meadows Valley Public Library.