Children in the Library

Beaver County Pioneer Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for customers of all ages. Sharing this environment with other people requires that everyone follow the Rules and Regulations for Library Patron Policy which is for review on our website.

The Beaver County Pioneer Library wants children to use its facilities and services. The guidelines below are meant to ensure a safe and positive environment for children, as well as to ensure that their use does not interfere with the use of library services by other library users.

Library Staff

Should always respond with care and concern for the well-being of children, although they cannot be responsible for children who are unattended or are demonstrating inappropriate behavior. Staff members have many duties and cannot supervise children using the library rests with the parent, guardian, or caregiver. Staff should NEVER yell at, touch, or pick up a child. Library staff who suspects child abuse should contact DHS after contacting and discussing this issue with their immediate library supervisor.

Children’s Area

There are designated areas in the Library for children and are intended for the use of children and caregiver’s present with their children. Children are allowed to produce a little more noise in these areas, as long as the noise remains at an acceptable level established at the discretion of the library staff. The use of the children’s areas is open to the use of the general public.

If an adult or teen is disrupting or threatening the use of the children’s area, the person will be prohibited from the children’s area. An incident report will be filled out and given to the appropriate supervisor. Should a borrower who has been banned from the children’s area need material from the children’s area, Library staff will retrieve requested material from that area.

Preschool Children

Should be in sight of and supervised by a parent/caregiver at all times. A responsible caregiver must be at least thirteen years old. When preschool children are left alone, they may become frightened or anxious. If they wander through the building they may encounter hazards such as doors, furniture, shelving and/or electrical equipment. They may also become bored and restless and could disturb the enjoyment of others.

If a child in the age group uses inappropriate behavior, the child and the parent/caregiver will be informed of the rules. If inappropriate behavior continues, the family may be asked to leave the library for the day. When a preschool child is found unattended, library staff should make a reasonable effort to find and notify the child’s caregiver. If the caregiver cannot be found, staff will contact law enforcement to pick up the child.

School Children Up To Age 10

Must have a parent or caregiver in the immediate vicinity unless they are participating in a library program. A caregiver must be at least thirteen years old. Parents or caregivers who do not attend programs are still responsible for their children and must remain in the library during the program.

If a child in this age group uses inappropriate behavior continues, the family may be asked to leave the library for the day. When a child within this age group is found unattended, library staff should make a reasonable effort to contact the child’s caregiver. If the caregiver cannot be notified or does not arrive within fifteen minutes, staff will contact law enforcement to pick up the child.j

Children Age 10-16

May use the library unattended for an amount of time appropriate to their age and behavior at the discretion of the library staff. It is important for staff to take note of disruptions caused by children who apparently are unaccompanied. Parents or caregivers are still responsible for the behavior of their children. Children using inappropriate behavior will be informed of the rules, as might the caregivers if the caregiver is present in the library. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child will be asked to leave the library.

If a child in this age group is not able to leave the library without a caregiver, he/she should not be in the library alone. However, librarians may make a reasonable attempt to notify the caregiver so that the child may be picked up. If a caregiver is coming to pick up a child who has been asked to leave the library, the child must wait outside the library except for instances of inclement weather. Repeated inappropriate behavior may result in a suspension of privileges for several days. If a child refuses to leave or attempts to disrupt the library environment from outside the building, law enforcement will be contacted to discuss the problem with the child and, if necessary, pick him up.

When a Child Is Leaving the Library

Staff may call a child’s caregiver and ask for a ride on the behalf of the child if asked to. Under no circumstances should a librarian offer an unattended child a ride home, if a librarian is concerned with the safety of a child without a ride, law enforcement should be contacted.

Closing Time

Is strictly enforced by Library staff. Staff will not be present after closing time. If children need to call for a ride, they should ask staff to call caregiver before closing hours. If a librarian is concerned with the safety of a child without a ride, law enforcement should be contacted.

To Parents and Guardians

Your child’s library card is a passport to the wonders of books and stories. We welcome your child as a library borrower and hope that using the public library becomes an enjoyable lifetime habit. Children five years of age and older may have a card, but the application must be signed by you, the parent or guardian.

Please take a moment to discuss with your child the advantages of using the library, and the responsibility that goes with being a library cardholder. A child is issued a library card when the parent or guardian has agreed to let him/her use the library and its materials.

By signing your child’s card application you agree that:

Your child has access to all library materials unless otherwise noted on the application (i.e. age-appropriate materials only, no adult content).

While the library may suggest different titles for age appropriate reading, it remains the parent or guardians responsibility to select specific materials for their children. Librarians are available to help families locate items that fit their personal tastes, interests and values.

If a parent or guardian does not want his/her child to have access to any of the above materials, the parent or guardian will need to discuss the restrictions with the child in the context of their parent-child relationship. A parent or guardian may withdraw the childs card at any time. The library staff will then delete the childs record so that the childs access to the library is through the parent or guardian.

Your child agrees to abide by all library rules.

Parents and guardians are responsible for their juvenile children (under age 18) while their children are at the library. Children who are unable to look out for their own safety shall not be left unattended at the library. In no event may children under 7 years of age be left unattended at the library. We want everyone to enjoy his or her visit.

You will be responsible for the materials checked out on your child’s card.
You will be responsible for the return of the materials or will pay for all lost or damaged items.
You will be responsible for fines charged on all overdue materials.
You will not hold the library responsible for any damage that borrowed items may cause your own equipment (cassette players, cd players, vcrs, etc.).

We are pleased to have your child as a library user and we hope to see you often. Kids who read Succeed! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask the library staff.

Sincerely,
Denise Janko, Librarian

Children in the Library