Unattended Child Policy
Approved: 5/14/2026
Graves-Hume Public Library District
Unattended Child Policy
Kids must be supervised by a guardian or responsible caregiver. Graves-Hume Public Library defines responsible caregiver as someone 14 and older. If a Library staff member asks, and the responsible caregiver is 14-18 years of age and is responsible for younger children, this caregiver must be able to provide verbal or written acknowledgement from the guardian of the younger children being watched. Responsible caregivers must be at least 14 years of age and able to attend to the child’s safety and ensure appropriate behavior.
Parents or guardians are always ultimately responsible for minor children. If a child 10 years of age and younger is found unattended, a staff member will attempt to find the caregiver in the building. If the caregiver cannot be located, police will be called. Library staff will stay with the child until police arrive.
Children under age 11 must always be supervised by a guardian or responsible caregiver on Library premises (see library program policy for supervision while attending Library sponsored programs).
Children ages 11-14 years of age may use the Library unattended for a total of 3 hours per day providing they are able to maintain acceptable behavior and act respectfully to other patrons and staff. After 3 hours, children must be picked up from the Library.
Children age 14 and older may use the Library without time restriction and without supervision providing they are able to act with respect, maturity and adhere to the Library rules and polices.
Adults (18 and older) who don’t have kids with them may not spend time in areas designated for children or teens unless they are actively looking for materials.
| Newborn to 6 years old | Guardian or responsible adult must be in sight of the child |
| 7 to 10 years old | Guardian or responsible adult must be in the library building |
| 11 to 17 years old | Children and teens 11 and older may be in the building unattended. If asked by library staff, unattended children and teens must provide guardian’s contact information. |
Attending Programs:
When attending programs, children ages 7-10 may be left at a Library sponsored program; guardians are not required to stay in the Library but must have a parent or responsible caregiver present when the program finishes. Children between the ages 3-6 must have a parent remain in the building throughout the program; unless otherwise specified for the program. Children under 3 years of age must have a parent or responsible adult with them in the program.
All patrons, including children, are subject to Library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct and demeanor. Repeated violation of rules or policies may result in parents needing to be with a child even if the child is 11 years of age or older. All children must have contact information for a guardian or caregiver in case of emergency, Library closure, or rule violations.