Child Safety Policy

The Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services. However, responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian/caregiver, not with the Library’s personnel. Library staff cannot supervise children in the Library.

Children ages 0 to 5 must be with a parent/guardian/caregiver and supervised at all times in all parts of the building.

Children ages 6 to 11 may read or work independently provided that the parent/guardian/caregiver is in the building. No children under the age of 12 are to be left unsupervised in the building.

If any children under the age of 12 are found in the building without a parent/guardian/caregiver, the staff will attempt to locate the parent/guardian/caregiver. If the parent/guardian/caregiver cannot be located either in the Library or at the McKinley Birthplace Home within one hour, or if the Library is closing, the local police will be contacted to pick up the child.

Teenagers ages 12 to 17 are treated as adult Library users as far as expectations for appropriate conduct. (See Behavior and Conduct Policy) Parents/guardians/caregivers are still legally responsible for the actions of these individuals. All young people should have emergency contact information available.

The Library reserves the right to determine when a minor must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or assigned adult caregiver.

Revised and approved by the McKinley Memorial Library Board of Trustees, April 12, 2023.

Library Do's and Don'ts for the Children's Room:

  • Do ask a librarian if you need help.
  • Do walk. Don't run.
  • Don't eat. Do drink as long as you have a lid for your container.
  • Do return toys to their proper place when you are finished using them.
  • Do return books to the librarian when you are finished using them.
  • Do use an "inside" voice. Please be courteous of other library users. Silence your cell phone.
  • Do keep the library clean and treat books with respect.
  • Do enjoy your library visit, have fun and explore!