Unattended Children Procedure

This document should be used as procedures for the Kanawha County Public Library System. The System welcomes and encourages children of all ages to visit the library and hopes they will find it a warm, inviting place to be. Programs and resources are offered to make the library appealing to children, to help children enjoy their visits, and to develop a love of books, reading and libraries.

For the child’s best interest, parents/caregivers are responsible for their child’s safety and behavior while on the Library Premises whether the parents/caregiver are present or not. However, the Library is not able to provide short- or long-term childcare or be responsible for unattended children. The Library assumes neither responsibility nor liability for the actions, care, supervision, or safety of the child.

A responsible adult must accompany a child or children under age twelve (12) when they are using the Library Premises, including attendance at programs. This responsible adult must supervise, guide, and always control the behavior of the child or children.

An unattended child could demonstrate the following:

• the child is underattended or ignored by guardian,
• the behavior of the child is disruptive or inappropriate,
• the child appears to be a danger to herself or himself or others,
• the child appears to be threatened by others,
• the child appears to threaten, bully, or intimidate others,
• the child appears to be ill or upset,
• the child has not been met by a parent or caregiver at closing.

Library staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian of an unattended child immediately. If the parent or guardian cannot be located within a reasonable period, staff will contact the WV Bureau for Social Services, Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect, 1-800-352-6513. In the event of an emergency, staff will call 911.