Please refer to the guidelines for parents and caregivers on the library website.

Additional information for staff

EMT Owner:  Director of Location Services
Policy last revised and approved: 06/05/24
Last updated: 08/15/25
Location of this policy: library website
Link to policy: https://multcolib.org/policies/children-alone-library

A child alone in the library doesn’t necessarily mean that the child is in danger or at risk, and you will want to assess the situation before taking action. Make the best judgment for each individual situation. In assessing a situation, consider:

• the age of the child
• the safety of the child
• whether the parent or caregiver is in another area that is nearby where they are able to supervise the child from a distance
• or whether the parent or caregiver is on a different floor or in separate area out of sight of the child (meaning, unable to supervise)

Staff are empowered to use their discretion to evaluate and handle each situation in an appropriate and effective manner that is consistent with this policy. If the child appears to be in danger, call for appropriate assistance. The guidance below is intended to aid staff in determining appropriate action steps.

Parent or caregiver leaving a child in the library

If a parent or caregiver comes into the library and says “Is it ok to leave my kids here?”, inform them of the policy and use the following suggested language:  

“Library policy says that children under the age of 10 cannot be left alone or unsupervised in the library. The policy is in place because the library does not have facilities or staffing to provide childcare and childcare is not the library’s role.”

If you notice an unattended child under the age of 10:

• Ask the child if they are with someone. Staff can help determine if a parent or caregiver is in the library. If so, staff and the child should attempt to locate that person. Make sure a staff member stays with the child throughout the search for the parent or caregiver.
• If a parent or caregiver is not in the Library, attempt to contact the child’s parent or caregiver at home or work using information provided by the child, the patron database, or the telephone directory. If contacted, the parent or caregiver will be informed of this policy and advised that their child should be picked up immediately.

See the Lost children page for additional information and procedures for when the child is lost or a parent or caregiver reports a lost child.

Children alone at closing time

Calmly assist any child who is unattended at the library at closing, reassuring the child that staff are there to help them with being reunited with their parent or caregiver. Stay with them as you search for their caregiver or seek to find contact information. For further guidance refer to: Children Left Alone in the Library After Closing in the Daily Operations Manual.