Policy on Unsupervised Children in the Library

The library is dedicated to providing free access to information to the
entire community in a safe and pleasant library environment.

Children are welcome in the library and encouraged to use its resources and
services. The library is not, however, an after-school or day-care facility.
The library cannot assume responsibility for the care and safety of
unsupervised children.  In the best interests of the children, parents
should make regular after-school or day-care arrangements for children who
cannot go home after school.  A list of local resources is available from
the children's librarian.

During open hours:

Children under the age of 11 may not use the library unless accompanied by a
parent or guardian.  Older brothers, sisters, or caretakers under the age of
18 are not considered adequate supervisors.

Children of any age who behave in such a manner as to disrupt the library
environment will be subject to the "Policy Regarding Disruptive Behavior".
Disruptive behavior includes any situation, which causes the child, other
library patrons, or library staff distress or concern whether or not the
parent/caregiver is present.

Regardless of the age of the child, parents of a disruptive/unsupervised
child will be asked to control the child's behavior or remove the child from
the library immediately if requested by staff.

At closing time:

If a child is left unattended at closing time, staff will make a reasonable
effort to locate the parent/guardian.  If the parent/guardian has not
arrived within a period of 15 minutes after the posted closing time, staff
will turn the child over to the South Pasadena Police Department.