The Two Harbors Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for patrons of all ages. Sharing this environment with other people requires that everyone act in a respectful manner towards staff and other patrons and that everyone follow the Library’s Policies.
The safety of children left alone in a library building is a serious concern of the library staff. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with the library staff. Library staff cannot be responsible for children who are unattended or demonstrating inappropriate behavior.
Children under the age of 8
- Children under the age of 8 must have a legal guardian/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child. The assigned caregiver, if other than a legal guardian, must be an adult or responsible teenager of the age 13 or above and must carry emergency contact information.
- If a child in this age group is found unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the guardian/caregiver in the library and inform him/her of the rules. If the guardian/caregiver cannot be found, or if the Library is closing, the non-emergency law enforcement will be called for assistance.
Children age 8 and older
- Children age 8 and older may use the library on their own. However, legal guardians are still responsible for the actions and the well-being of their children.
- Children exhibiting inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library. If a child in this age group is not able to leave the library without an adult, they should not be in the library alone. This is a particular concern in inclement weather and after dark.
- All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.
- For the safety of a child left unattended in the library at closing, appropriate non-emergency law enforcement authorities will be contacted to take custody of the child. Staff will wait 15 minutes after closing before this measure is taken.
Adopted December 1991; Revised July 2011; Revised January 2016; Revised January 2023