Birchard Public Library of Sandusky County
Safe Child Policy
The Birchard Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming environment that encourages children of all ages to visit the library, attend programs, and use the library collections and computers. While BPL is concerned for the safety of the children, the Library cannot act in loco parentis (in place of parents). It is vital that a parent, guardian, or caregiver is responsible for monitoring the activities and managing the behavior of children during their Library visits. In addition to the Library Code of Conduct, the Board of Trustees of the Birchard Public Library has adopted the following Safe Child Policy.
- Children through age nine must have a parent/guardian or assigned caregiver in the immediate vicinity of the child. The assigned caregiver must be at least 12 years old and carry emergency contact information.
- If children age nine or younger are found without parent/guardian or caregiver, staff will attempt to locate them. If they cannot be located in the building or by phone, law enforcement personnel will be contacted to pick up the child.
- If children age nine or younger are found without parent/guardian or caregiver, staff will attempt to locate them. If they cannot be located in the building or by phone, law enforcement personnel will be contacted to pick up the child.
- Children ten years of age or older may use the library independently, providing they are able to follow library rules and observe proper conduct. Parents are still responsible for the actions of their child.
- Children of any age with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities that affect decision-making skills or render supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or assigned caregiver at all times.
- If library staff judge that any unattended child is not coping adequately, staff will attempt to located parent/guardian to pick up the child. If they cannot be located or contacted, law enforcement personnel will be contacted for assistance.
Unattended children at closing:
To ensure their safety, children who do not have transportation home at closing time will be asked for phone number of people who can pick them up at the library. Two staff members will remain and wait with the child.
If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, library staff will contact law enforcement personnel to pick up the child. A note will be left of the door notifying the parent/guardian.
Library staff members will use their judgement when dealing with unattended children at closing. Library staff members are not permitted to give children a ride home.