The Chester Library is committed to providing the best possible service to all our patrons. Part of that service is creating a safe, supportive environment for children. The Library’s Policy on Supervision of Children is intended to provide this environment. Parents and other caregivers should bear in mind that the Library is a public space, open to all who choose to enter. The Library staff has many duties to perform during the day. While staff attempt to be attentive and alert to children in the area, they are often called to another part of the building, to the phone, or to work with other patrons. Parents and caregivers, not the Library and Library Staff members, are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of children at all times.  At no time will the Library or Library staff members stand in loco parentis or in place of a parent or caregiver.

Guidelines for Supervision of Children

The safety and well-being of children at the Library is a serious concern, therefore the Library maintains this policy:

1. Children under the age of 6 years must be in direct supervision (within sight or conversation distance) by an appropriate caregiver at all times.
2. Children ages 6-11 may be under the indirect supervision of an appropriate caregiver, but this individual must be present at the library at all times, and within a reasonable distance to monitor the child’s behavior and safety.
3. Children ages 12 and older may be in the library unsupervised provided they follow the Patron Code of Conduct.
4. The Library is not responsible for a minor’s selection of library material. The Library believes it is the right and responsibility of an appropriate caregiver to determine what is appropriate for their own child.
5. Should it be determined that a minor has been left at the Library at closing time:
   1. Every attempt will be made to contact the minor’s’s parents or other family member. The Chester Police will be called if no one can be reached. A staff member will remain after hours with an unattended child until the parent, guardian, or police arrive.
   2. Staff members staying with the child will be compensated for time spent waiting.
   3. Staff members should fill out an incident report and leave it for the Director when the police are called.
   4. Library staff members will not transport children from the Library to any other location.
6. Parents, guardians, or caretakers who violate the rules stated above risk having their library privileges restricted or revoked.

Unaccompanied Adults

The Children’s Room is reserved for children, their parents or responsible adult caregivers, and adults interested in children’s literature, such as teachers and college students taking children’s literature classes. Out of concern for the safety of young patrons, adults who are unaccompanied by a child or children in the Children’s Room may be questioned by staff, and may be asked to move to another area of the Library.