The Broome County Public Library strives to offer a welcoming, educational and safe place for you and your children. Parent, guardians and caregivers are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children at all times in the Library and on Library property.
Children under 11 years of age MUST be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver age 16 and older
Children 11 and older may come to the Library without a parent, guardian, or caregiver
If the caregiver of an unattended child younger than 11 years of age cannot be located immediately, the Broome County Security Officer on duty will take custody of the child or children
FURTHER GUIDELINESS
Because the Library does not provide childcare services:
Children must be within eyesight of the parent/caregiver at all times
Parent/caregiver is required to remain with the child during a library program
Parent/caregiver attending meetings on Library property must keep their children with them in the meeting
Any child (under 16 years old) on Library property 15 minutes after closing times will be placed in the protection of Broome County Security
Under no circumstances is Library staff allowed to take a child home in his/her own car, or use any other mode of public transport
Reasons for this policy:
Young children may become frightened or confused and wander away
Older children cannot be expected to deal with a small child who is frightened, when tired or ill
Older children left on their own for extended periods may become bored and restless
Since the library is a public building, strangers might approach children
If an unattended child has a medical emergency the library staff cannot take legal responsibility
A child could wander outside and become lost or injured
An emergency could require that we evacuate the building
Children left alone may wander through the building and may encounter hazards such as elevators, stairs, doors, furniture, or electrical equipment
Vandalism and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may serve as grounds for removal from Library property.
