Unattended Child Policy

Unattended Child Policy

The Montgomery City Public Library welcomes children of all ages to use and enjoy the facilities and collections offered by the Library. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in the library, the following unattended child policy has been established.

The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/guardian and not with library personnel. For the child's safety, young children under the age of 9, must be directly supervised by a parent/guardian or responsible caregiver at all times while in the library. Children must be 9 years of age and finished with 3rd grade in order to be left unattended in the library.  

Unattended Child After Closing Time 

Library staff must exercise appropriate procedures to ensure the safety of unattended children 16 years of age and younger when the library is closing. No child 16 years and younger may be unattended in the library one-half hour before the library closing time unless they live within walking distance of the library. If no ride has arrived 15 minutes after closing time, the staff will call the police department. Police and staff will monitor children left unattended. Parents are responsible for being aware of the times the library opens and closes, Staff will record the parent's/caretaker's name, address, telephone number, and the child's name. Once found, the parent/caretaker will be given a copy of the Unattended Children after Closing Policy. Staff will refer any additional incidents to the police. Library staff members never give rides to these children or leave them alone in the building or on library grounds.