Children/Teens Unattended, Disruptive, or Left at Closing

Unattended Children:

Children ten and under shall not be left unattended or unsupervised in the library. Very young children shall always be accompanied by a parent/caregiver while in the library, except in the case of special library programs for children. Responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/caregiver. Though the staff will always respond with care and concern, they cannot assume responsibility for the children’s safety and comfort when they are left unattended.

Disruptive Behavior:

Children and their caregivers are expected to behave quietly and calmly in the library. Should a child become disruptive, their parent/caregiver will be notified. If the disruptive behavior continues the parent/caregiver may be asked to remove the child from the library.

Children/Teens Left at Closing:

Public libraries and families have always been a natural and winning combination; however, problems arise when our young patrons are left at closing. At least 20 minutes before closing, library staff asks young patrons (16 years or younger) if they have a ride home. If the young patron does not have a ride by closing time, every attempt is made to contact an adult family member to come and take responsibility for the child/teen.

Two staff members are required to stay with young patrons for at least 15 minutes, after which time the police may be notified that a child/teen has been left unattended at the library after closing time. The staff will stay with the child/teen until the police arrive.

Please understand that the intention of this policy is to protect your child/teen. The library’s location prevents young patrons from easily getting to a phone or safe location should a problem arise.

We ask your cooperation as we work together to keep our young patrons at the library safe.  Please, always be aware of library closing times.

Approved by the Coventry Library Board of Trustees April 2025.