Mohave Community College

Mohave Community College Library is open to the public. This creates a situation which can present risks to children. Mohave Community College does not and cannot act as a babysitter or protector of children.

The safety and security of the children are the responsibility of the parent or adult caregiver. Therefore, for the protection and well-being of children and in consideration of other patrons using the library, the following policy has been established.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY

Policy

  1. The responsibility for the safety and well-being of children using the library rests with the
    parents/guardian or assigned caregiver, not with library personnel.
  2. Children under the age of 12 should be under the direct supervision of an adult who assumes responsibility for them. The parents of children who create a disturbance will be asked to remove them.
  3. Children ages 12 or older may use the library unattended as long as they observe rules of common courtesy and do not create a disturbance. If a child wishes to leave the library, the library staff cannot legally detain him/her.
  4. Extremely disruptive children will be barred, with the library director’s approval, from the library for a stipulated period of time.

Staff Procedures

  1. If a child under the age of 12 has been left unattended and does not seem to be frightened or disruptive, library staff will attempt to inform parents of the library’s unattended children policy.
  2. If a child under the age of 12 is frightened or disruptive, library staff should notify the administrator on duty who will then attempt to find the parents. When possible, the child should remain in the library. In all cases, library supervisory staff are authorized to use their best judgment in order to deal with a disruptive child, including calling the police/sheriff.
  3. If a minor (any child under the age of 18) is left unattended at the library at closing time, library staff should contact the administrator on duty who will assume responsibility for the child.

Adopted by library staff: January 2000