The responsibility for the wellbeing, safety, and behavior of children in the Library rests with the person who transported the child to the Library and not with Library staff. The Library does not provide daycare services, and Library staff cannot be responsible for children who are unattended or are demonstrating inappropriate behavior. Children who exhibit inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the Library. If the child is not of sufficient age and maturity to be able to leave the Library without a parent or caregiver he/she may not be in the Library without a parent or caregiver.
The following guidelines will be followed concerning the care and behavior of children:
Children 8 and under must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of (and in visual contact with) the child. Children may be left in the care of an older sibling if that sibling is at least 15 years old.
Children ages 9-11 must have a parent/caregiver in the Library.
If any child 11 years or younger is found unattended, Library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver and inform him/her of the Unattended Child Policy. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, Library staff will contact the Sturbridge Police Department.
Any child regardless of age who exhibits inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the Library. In such cases Library staff will attempt to locate the child’s parent/caregiver. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, Library staff will contact the Sturbridge Police Department.
Specifically for library programs:
Unless otherwise specified at the time any Library program begins, the above policies remain in effect. Children 8 and under are expected to be accompanied by a parent/caregiver at all times.
Occasionally the library offers a program in which the parent or other adult caregiver is not required to attend with their child. In these cases, the child must be brought to the librarian running the program and checked in. The adult must remain in the Library. Upon completion of the program, parents/caregivers must pick up their child from the librarian.