Unattended Children

The East Orange Public Library is a public facility that offers services to a wide range of citizens, and children are especially welcome. The library has the responsibility to provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for every patron who is appropriately using its services and facilities. Children and young people are expected to adhere to the same standards of patron conduct expected of adults. Parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library.

Children under the age of nine may not be left on library premises, without the supervision of an adult. If a parent/guardian cannot be located, staff will call the East Orange Police Department to report an abandoned child.

Older children who are disruptive will be asked to leave the library (see policy on "Library Behavior"). If the child cannot safely, leave the library to return home on his or her own, staff will permit the child to call a parent/guardian. If no parent/guardian can be contacted, library staff will either allow the child to remain at the library under close supervision until a parent/guardian can be contacted or contact the East Orange Police Department.

Children who have not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent/guardian. Children who have not been picked up within fifteen minutes after closing will be left in the care of the East Orange Police Department. Under no circumstances will staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 12/13/01.