[Approved 12-3-2007; amended 9-8-2009]
The South Hadley Public Library wants the facility to be a warm and inviting place for children to develop a love of reading, books, and libraries. The library offers many programs and services for children. However, children left unattended may become disruptive. Young, unattended children are not safe at the library. The staff cannot know if the children are leaving the building with parents or with strangers.
This policy has been established in order to foster an environment where the safety of children and their ability to use the library will not be compromised. Children are expected to adhere to the same rules as stated for all library patrons, with the following additions:
A. 
All children under the age of 10 should be accompanied by a parent or other adult who is responsible for the child. Unattended children are a safety concern for all library users.
B. 
At the discretion of a responsible adult, a child age 10 or older may be left unattended for the period of time needed to select materials, complete a homework assignment, or attend a program. The child must know how to reach the responsible adult in case this need should arise. Children should not be left for excessively long (more than two hours) periods of time; the library does not provide day-care services.
C. 
Children and their adult caregivers should be aware of the closing times of the library and the schedule of specific programs. Children waiting for rides should remain near the entrance doors to avoid the hazards of the parking lot. The library may call the police to escort children who have been left in the building after closing hours.
D. 
The parent/guardian is responsible for ensuring appropriate behavior of his/her children in the library. Disruptive behavior, including shouting, running, pushing, or other rowdy, rambunctious activities, will not be tolerated. Library staff will ask disruptive children to leave the building in an orderly manner. In the case of unaccompanied children under 10 years old, a parent/guardian will be called to pick them up. If children do not leave the building after being asked, the South Hadley Police may be called to remove them.
E. 
Parents with children in strollers are strongly encouraged to use the handicap entrance near Technical Services for easy access to the building.
F. 
The multi-purpose room is usually available for children to congregate. Sitting on the stairs, gathering in the doorways, improper use of the rest rooms, and related behavior is not allowed.
G. 
Children should not bring food or beverages into the building. The exception is when food is served as part of a Children's Room program or celebration. Small snacks may be finished in the multi-purpose room, with trash disposal in the proper receptacles.
H. 
Bicycles, scooters, and other equipment should be left outside the building. Bikes and scooters should be locked to the bicycle rack with appropriate safety chains.
I. 
Computers in the Children's Room and throughout the library building are not intended for use by children age five or under. It is the responsibility of a parent or caregiver to ensure appropriate use of the computers and other electronic library resources by young children. Pounding on keyboards and other potentially damaging activities are not permitted. Parents will be financially responsible for damage caused by their children.
J. 
Library staff are not trained to treat injuries or administer first aid. In the case of an injured unattended child, the library staff will attempt to contact the parent or caregiver. In the case of a medical emergency, 911 will be called to respond and the parents will be notified, in that order.
K. 
Certain library services and materials (e.g., museum passes, historical materials, etc.) may be restricted to adult patrons only. Children needing these materials for school assignments may be granted permission to use these services under the supervision of a responsible adult.
L. 
Children have almost unlimited access to the library's resources. Parents and guardians, not library staff, are responsible for the use of appropriate books, movies, and computer resources. Adults are encouraged to actively participate in their children's use of the library.
Suspected abuse or neglect of a child will be reported to the South Hadley Police Department. According to Massachusetts law and the Department of Social Services regulations, these terms are defined as follows:
ABUSE
The nonaccidental commission of any act by a caretaker which causes or creates a substantial risk of harm or threat of harm to a child's well-being or the commission of a sex offense against a child as defined by the criminal laws of the commonwealth.
NEGLECT
The failure of a caretaker, either deliberately or through negligence, to take actions necessary to provide a child with minimally adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision or other essential care.