MARK TWAIN LIBRARY
UNATTENDED CHILD POLICY

Children are welcomed and encouraged to use the Mark Twain Library. In order to maintain a safe environment for library use, and for the protection and well being of young children enjoying the library, the following guidelines have been established:

• Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct of their children at all times while children are on library premises.
• An adult must accompany preschool children at all times. During story times adults are asked to remain in the building. Children aged 1 and 2 must be accompanied by an adult in story time groups.
• No child under 10 may be left alone in the library for any reason.
• Parents and guardians should be aware of library opening and closing times and make arrangements to meet and transport children ages 10 and up who have been left unattended in the library.
• Children still at the library at closing time will be directed to call their parents from the library's phone. If they are still unable to get home, the police will be contacted if deemed necessary
• The library is not responsible for children outside the building.

All children, young adults, and adults are expected to respect library property and other library patrons. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will result in the individual(s) being asked to leave. In the case of younger children, parents are expected to remove the child from the building until the problem is resolved. The judgment of the library staff prevails when requesting the removal of a child from the building in the event of behavioral difficulties.

Adopted January 13, 2003 Mark Twain Library Board of Trustees