3.3.3 — Unattended Child and Parental Responsibility Policy

Effective: January 2, 2023
Last Reviewed: December 27, 2022

  1. Purpose

    2. The purpose of this policy is to describe the responsibilities of parents/guardians in regard to children who are using the Jacksonville Public Library (Library). This policy supports the Library Code of Conduct by establishing the standards for children’s independent use of the Library and its services and facilities.

  2. Customer Expectations

    3. Parents/caregivers are responsible for the safety and well-being of their children on Library property. The Library expects parents/caregivers to:

    1. Accompany any child under the age of eight (8).
      1. Have an actively engaged parent/caregiver of at least 12 years of age in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with a child under the age of eight (8).
      2. Ensure that the assigned caregiver of a child under the age of eight (8) has emergency contact information for the child.
    2. Accompany any school-age child between the ages of eight (8) and 17 during regular school hours, or ensure that the homeschooled child is able to provide proof of homeschool status.
    3. Ensure that unaccompanied children ages eight (8) and older are able to abide by Library policies, including the Code of Conduct.
    4. Ensure that unaccompanied children ages eight (8) and older have emergency contact information and are able to independently share that information with staff when requested.
    5. Ensure that unaccompanied children ages eight (8) and older are able to leave the Library independently when instructed to leave by Library staff or at closing time.

  3. Authorization to Define Procedures

    4. The Board of Library Trustees authorizes the Library Director to establish procedures to administer this policy, and to delegate any and all responsibilities herein to other staff through such procedures.

Associated Policies:

Relevant Legislation: