The Graves County Public Library places high priority on service to children. Children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to use the Library's materials, programs, and services. Every effort is made to create a pleasant, warm, and inviting atmosphere for all library patrons. However, the Library is an open, public building and the well-being and safety of young children left alone is a serious concern. Unattended children left alone for an extended period of time often become bored, restless, and disruptive, thus disturbing the enjoyment of the library by others.
The Library Staff and Board of Trustees of the Graves County Public Library are not responsible for monitoring the activities and controlling the behavior of unattended children in the Library. Staff members will not assume the responsibility of caregiver for any child in the absence of an adult or assigned caregiver, even for a short period of time. This includes the time that an adult, or caregiver is using the computer stations. Children in your care MUST be supervised at all times.
Children through age ten must have a parent or caregiver in the immediate vicinity when they are attending library programs. Parents or caregivers for those ages ten and under who do not attend the program with the child should remain in the building. A caregiver must be at least age 15 years of age.
If an unattended child is being disruptive, is habitually left alone for long periods of time, or neglected, or is deemed to be at risk of coming to harm (for example, no one to pick the child up at closing time), a reasonable effort will be made to locate the adult or caregiver. Under no circumstances will a staff member transport children home or to any other destination. However, if necessary, appropriate law enforcement or child protective authorities will be notified to take custody of the child.
If a child's behavior becomes disruptive for other library patrons while their parent or caregiver is present in the library, but chooses to ignore their disruptive behavior, that child will be considered an unattended child. Both the adult and child will be asked to leave the library. Computer and other library privileges may be revoked immediately until such time as the disruptive behavior ceases to exist. Library services to other patrons must not be sacrificed due to a child's disruptive behavior.
We respect the privacy of all library patrons and will intervene only when, in our opinion, the quality of library services to other patrons is at risk, or the safety and well-being of a child is threatened.
A time to appeal your case before the Board of Trustees will be scheduled by the Director. The Board of Trustees will be the final authority on appeals.