The basic function of the Children's Department is to encourage and facilitate the use of the library by parents, students, adults working with children, and children of all ages. Collections of children's books and materials, a variety of programs, and trained staff are available at the Library.

The library hopes that all children will find the library a warm and welcoming place, but it is not the function or purpose of the library to be a child care center while parents or caretakers are outside of the Children's Department or the library. In order to create an environment of safety and maintain an atmosphere where reading and study can be encouraged, the following policy applies:

• All children, young adults and adults are expected to follow the library rules of conduct. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will result in the individual(s) being asked to leave, and parents and/or the police department will be notified as deemed necessary by the staff. In the case of young children, parents are expected to remove the child from the building until the problem is resolved.
• The library staff is not responsible for the safety, care or supervision of children of any age, whether in the library or on library premises. Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library.
• Parents or caregivers must provide such reasonable supervision of their children as is appropriate based on the age and level of responsibility of each child. Children under the age of 10 must be in the care of someone 14 years or older while in the library.
• Children age 6 and younger must be accompanied by an individual age 14 or older at all time and in all areas of the library except when participating in a library-sponsored program. During programs, parents or caregivers must remain in the library.
• Parents or caregivers should be aware of library opening and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and/or transport their children. If a child is unaccompanied in the library 15 minutes before closing time, staff may assist the child in calling home to arrange for transportation. Another call may be made at closing time.
• If the child is not picked up by closing time, two staff members will remain with the child. Under no circumstances will a child under the age of 14 be left alone on library premises, will only one staff member remain with a child, or will any staff member transport the child home or to any other destination.
• If the child is not picked up within 15 minutes of closing, staff will call for police assistance or walk the child to the police station.

Approved by the Wayne Public Library Board Tuesday May 9, 2000