Unattended Children

Unattended Children

The Library is committed to helping all children with activities related to the Library. However, it is not the responsibility of staff to serve as caregivers, disciplinarians, or teachers. Children, just as all library patrons, are subject to all Library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct, and demeanor. And it is the responsibility of parents/caregivers, by monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children, to assure that their children abide by these policies at all times. 

Therefore, the staff will try to notify the parent/caregiver of an unattended child whenever:

• The child is not meeting the Library’s Patron Expectations.
• The child’s behavior disturbs other patrons of the Library.
• The child’s health or safety may be in danger.
• The child is frightened or anxious while alone at the Library.
• The child is still at the Library after the Library closes to the public.

If the parent /caregiver cannot be reached, then the Library will contact the Bloomington Police Department or Child Protective Services as deemed appropriate by the staff. In no instance will staff take the child home.