Child Safety Policy

The Brooks Memorial Library strives to provide a welcoming atmosphere and a wide range of library services and resources to both children and adults.  The library staff does not accept responsibility for the supervision or safety of children of any age in the building or on library property. 

We ask that parents and/or caregivers observe the following rules to ensure that all library patrons regardless of age have a safe and pleasant library experience:

• Children of all ages are subject to the rules as stated in the Brooks Memorial Library Behavior Code. Children who violate these rules will be subject to the appropriate action as stated in the library policy.
• Children 7 years of age and under must be in the immediate presence of a parent or other responsible caregiver over the age of 12 at all times while inside the building or on library property. Children 8 years of age and older are welcome to be in the library without parental supervision.
• Parents and /or caregivers are responsible for the safety, supervision and conduct of their children while in the building or on library property (regardless of whether or not they accompany the child to the library).
• Arrangements must be made to pick up all children under age 12 before library closing time. Parents and/or caregivers are responsible for notifying the library staff if they are unavoidably delayed and unable to pick up children by closing time. If a child is not picked up by closing time, the librarian in charge will attempt to call the child’s parent and/or caregiver and wait with the child and one other staff member at the rear door of the library until the responsible adult arrives.
• If staff is unable to reach a parent/caregiver within 15 minutes after closing, law enforcement will be notified.

Adopted by Board of Trustees upon third reading January 2026