The Trustees and staff of Rockport Public Library want children to feel welcome and safe when visiting the library. The Library offers many programs and services to encourage a love of books, reading, and learning. Because this is a large, busy, public building with many unstaffed areas, the staff cannot monitor the behavior, safety, or whereabouts of people using it. The safety and supervision of children is the responsibility of parents, guardians, or caregivers, not library staff.
At all times, minors must abide by all library policies.
Children under the age of 9 must be attended by a caregiver while in the Library. Caregivers must be at least 13 years old and provide direct supervision (within eyesight) at all times. The Library is not responsible for any consequences of caregivers failing to meet their responsibilities.
Caregivers are responsible for picking up children by the time the Library closes for the day. Library staff will not transport children from the Library to another location.
In the event a child under the age of 9 is left either unattended or not being provided proper supervision, Library employees are instructed to proceed as follows to protect the child at risk:
- Every attempt will be made to contact the parent or guardian.
- If a parent or guardian cannot be located within a reasonable amount of time, library employees will contact the Rockport Police Department for assistance.
- A copy of this policy will be made available to the parent or guardian so that it is understood why these steps were taken.
Parents or caretakers who violate the rules stated above risk having their library privileges restricted or revoked. Patrons whose privileges have been restricted or revoked may have the decision reviewed by the Library Board of Trustees.
Approved: Board of Library Trustees on January 17, 2019