Objective:

The Carrollton Public Library (CPL) is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for customers of all ages. Sharing this environment with other people requires that everyone follow the Library Code of Conduct posted in each Library building and on the Library website.

CPL wants children to use its facilities and services. 

The safety of children left alone in a Library building is a serious concern of the Library staff. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the Library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with the Library personnel. Library employees cannot be responsible for children who are unattended or demonstrating inappropriate behavior. 

Children left alone may become frightened, anxious, bored, or restless, which could lead to disruption of services to others’ use of the Library. Additionally, as children explore the Library, they may encounter hazards such as stairs, doors, furniture, or electrical equipment that are unsafe to navigate without a caregiver.

During Library Hours of Operation:

Children under the age of 9 must have an actively engaged parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child. The assigned caregiver must be a responsible person and must carry emergency contact information. An exception would be children attending a Library program without a parent/caregiver in the room. However, the parent/caregiver is expected to remain in the Library building and immediately join the child at the end of the program.

If a child in this age group is found unattended, Library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the Library and inform him/her of the rules. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, or if the child is found unattended again, the police will be called for assistance.

Children age 9 and older may use the Library on their own. However, parents/caregivers are still responsible for the actions and well‐being of their child(ren). In accordance with CPL’s Code of Conduct, customers, including children, behaving inappropriately may be asked to leave the Library. If a child age 9 or older is not able to leave the Library on his/her own, then he/she should not be in the Library without a parent/caregiver. All unaccompanied children at the Library must have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.

Closing Time:

Children under the age of 13 who do not have transportation home at closing time will be asked for telephone numbers of people who can pick them up at the Library. If a child under the age of 13 is not picked up, staff may call the Carrollton Police dept, and repeated offenses may result in loss of Library use when a parent/caregiver is not present.