The Wolcott Public Library Board and staff encourage the use of the library by children of all ages. It is hoped that all children find the library to be a welcoming place in which they can read, study, and attend programs. Service to children is a very important part of our mission.
At the same time, parents, guardians, and caregivers must keep in mind that the library is a public building that is open to all individuals, and that children should not be left unattended. The following rules have been designed by the Board and staff of the Wolcott Public Library in order to aid with the welfare and safety of the children who use it.
- Children are expected to comply with the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy. Children are expected to adhere to the same standards of conduct as adults. All library users are required to respect library property and to act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the library. A child who is not using the library appropriately, who is engaged in disruptive or other inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library.
- Children under the age of twelve (12) must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver over the age of fifteen (15) while using the library. The library staff is not responsible for providing supervision or care for children while their parents, guardians or caregivers are outside of the library or in another area of the building. The staff does not monitor children leaving the library, nor is it their responsibility to know with whom a child is leaving.
- Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for the safety and conduct of their children while the child is on the library premises. Appropriate supervision must be provided based on the age, ability, and level of responsibility of the child.
- Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers should be aware that the behavior of small children can, at times, be disturbing to others using the library. In such a case, library staff may request the child be removed from the library.
- Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers must be aware of the opening and closing times of the library and make arrangements to meet or transport their children. Unforeseen emergency closings or late openings can occur.
- Library staff is not required to stay with a child after closing time. If a child has not been picked up within a reasonable time period of the library closing, the police will be called to take responsibility for the child. Under no circumstances will library staff transport the child.
- The library is not responsible for children who are on library premises after closing.
- Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are referred to Connecticut General Statute 53-21a. (See below).
Sec. 53-21a. Leaving child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or motor vehicle.
(a) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
(b) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation, which holds a permit issued under chapter 545 for the sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises, for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety, shall be guilty of a class D felony.
(c) Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years who knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle between the hours of eight o’clock p.m. and six o’clock a.m. for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to the child’s health or safety, shall be guilty of a class C felony.
Approved by the Wolcott Public Library Board
March 7, 2007
Revised January 4, 2016