Purpose:
To provide a Library environment where all patrons to utilize Library materials and information in a safe, relaxed manner, Peoria Public Library has adopted a policy statement concerning unattended or disruptive children. All children are welcome at and will be served by the Peoria Public Libraries. The staff has no responsibility for unattended children. When children engage in disruptive behavior we reserve the right to reprimand them, call their parents or take other appropriate action. Disruptive behavior is defined as any behavior which disturbs other users of the library, such as but not limited to, talking loudly, yelling, running inside the building or damaging library property.

Policy:
Parents may not leave children under the age of ten years unattended in the Library. A responsible adult must attend any child under ten within eyesight in any section of the library. Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior while in the Library. Children and young people who are disruptive in the library or on Library grounds interfere with Library service to all patrons. The public library is not a child care provider but a public institution where all patrons have an equal right to quality Library services in a safe and relaxed environment.

If a child is left unattended in the Library, the staff will attempt to locate his/her parents. If they are unable to find a parent, the police will be called in an attempt to return the child safely to his/her parent. Staff are not permitted to remain after hours with an unattended child nor to give him/her a ride home. For the safety of the child, the staff will not leave a child under the age of ten outside to wait on a ride. If a parent cannot be reached by the time the Library is to close, the Police will be called to escort the child home or keep the child until parents can be reached.

When a child is disruptive in the library the staff member should inform the caregiver that their child is disturbing other Library users and pleasantly ask them to correct the behavior. Suggest they take the child outside in order to calm or quiet a disruptive child. If the caregiver refuses or is unable to control the child, they will kindly be asked to leave.

If the caregiver of a disruptive child cannot be located, staff should obtain the child’s and caregivers names and attempt to contact the caregiver. When the caregiver is contacted, he/she will be told he/she must pick the child up immediately. If the caregiver is unable to come immediately, they will be told the child may stay until they can be picked up but must be accompanied by an adult the next time.