A Letter to Parents Regarding Unattended Children at the Library

Dear Parent or Caregiver,

The Santa Monica Public Library welcomes and encourages children to visit the library, use library resources and services, and attend library programs.  Staff members are available to help children, however the Library does not provide child care. The Library is not responsible for unattended children.  Parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring their children’s safety, activities and behavior while visiting the Library.  If parents would not leave their children alone at home, they should not be left alone at the library.

As a general rule, we have found that preschool children (children under the age of five) should always be in close proximity and within sight of the adult responsible for their safety.  Children in primary grades (between the ages of five and seven)  may be contented to look at books or attend a library program for a short time while a parent or caregiver is nearby, but not necessarily sitting with them.  Some children eight and older can be left alone in the library for a short time to research an assignment, complete homework, attend a library program or select books and read. 

The parent or caregiver is responsible for ascertaining that the children are familiar with library rules of behavior, that they know how to contact someone in the event of an emergency and have money for a pay phone, or access to a cell phone.  Children are subject to the same rules of behavior as other patrons and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the library. 

Children of any age with mental, physical or emotional disabilities which affect decision-making skills or render supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times.

Parents and children must be aware of library hours so that the child is picked up before the library closes.  Children left unattended at closing time will be deemed at risk and the Santa Monica Police Department will be contacted to take custody of the child. 

If you have questions or concerns about these policies, please contact Susan Annett, Principal Librarian, Public Services, or Ellen Braby, Coordinator of Youth Services. Thank you for using our Library.

Sincerely,

Greg Mullen
Director of Library Systems/City Librarian

03/05/07