Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are in the Library. The Illinois Prairie District Public Library staff is committed to help children with activities related to the Library. However, Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility to serve as baby-sitters, teachers or disciplinarians. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges. Whenever advisable, the Library will notify the parent of incidents involving an unattended child.
Children under the age of ten (10) must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver. When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt, or the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, or if the Library is closing, Library staff is authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive.
From time to time the Illinois Prairie District Public Library schedules or provides programs which are designed and suitable for attendance by children without parental supervision. However, if an individual child is disruptive in a program the Librarian in charge may request that the parent stay with the child. If the parent is not willing to do so, then the child may be excluded from the program. Such program announcements will so indicate and if no indication is included then supervision is required. When so indicated, if the parent or caregiver intends to be absent, they must leave word at the circulation desk as to their whereabouts and, if possible, a phone number where they or a responsible adult can be contacted.
Children over the age of ten (10) may use the Library unattended by an adult, subject to other Library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct and demeanor.
In the event a young person is still at the library 15 minutes after the library closes to the public, the police will be called to pick up the young person. Attempts will be made during that 15 minutes to reach parents but in no instance will staff take young people home.