Children's Safety Policy
We welcome children in the Library and hope that children who use the Library will perceive it as a fun place to be.
The Monona Public Library staff members are available to assist children with Library materials or services. The Library is not equipped and it is not the Library's role to provide long- or short-term child care.
Our top priority is the provision of a safe environment for all children. However, the responsibility and for the safety and well-being of children is the responsibility of parents or guardians.
This parental responsibility extends to their children's use of Library computers with access to the World Wide Web. Programming offered for children at the library is not intended to take the place of care by a parent or other caregiver. The Library respects the privacy of parents and children who use its libraries; however, Library staff will take appropriate action if a child visiting a library appears to be "at risk."
- Children under the age of eight (8) left unattended. “Unattended” means that the parent or caregiver is not in close proximity to the child.
- Children of any age who become disruptive or appear to be frightened when left alone or in the care of other children at a library.
- Children who appear to be subjected to physical or emotional abuse while using library facilities.
- Children who appear to be subjected to uninvited interactions.
- Children under the age of 12 or children of any age who appear to be frightened when alone in a library at closing time.
If one of the above situations occurs, staff shall follow established procedures, which may include an attempt to contact the parent or guardian of an unattended child, or notification of a law enforcement or child protective services agency, as appropriate.
For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or adult caregiver over the age of twelve* should accompany children while they are using the Library and assist children when they are using library resources. While in the Library, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children. Please be mindful of the following: noise level, running, pulling items off the shelves, tantrums, bathroom needs, and social interaction with other children.
*Based on the minimum age requirment for attending Red Cross Babysitter Training.
Approved by the Monona Public Library Board on october 16, 2007.