Library
Policy on Unattended Children
The staff of
the Astoria Public Library strives to create a warm, welcoming, and enjoyable
environment for children. Because it is a free and open public space, the
Library requires the cooperation of caretakers responsible for children to
ensure that the Astoria Public Library provides a safe and pleasant experience
for all who use it. Though staff will always respond with care and concern,
they cannot assume responsibility for children’s safety and comfort when they
are unattended. As a last resort, staff may need to contact authorities to
assist with discipline in the library or to ensure the safety of an unattended
child.
A child’s
caretaker is responsible for the behavior of their child while they are in the
Library and on Library property, which includes the Library building, the
parking lot, and entryways. A caretaker is any person at or above the age of 10
who is responsible for a child under 10 years of age. The Astoria Public
Library staff is committed to helping children with activities related to the
Library. Therefore, when children are using the Library, it is the
responsibility of caretakers, rather than the library staff, to supervise their
children and ensure their safety. Caretakers may designate a responsible person
to act as their representative for a child in the Library.
Per the
Oregon Revised Statutes, children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by
a responsible person at all times. Astoria Public Library interprets “10 years
of age” as a person who can function mentally at a 10- year-old level; patrons
who are over 10 years according to their date of birth but are incapable of
mentally functioning at or above an average 10-year-old level are also considered
under 10 years of age for the purposes of this policy and must be supervised by
a caregiver. This means the caretaker must supervise the child during the
entire library visit by remaining within a reasonable distance, keeping the
child within their line of sight, and being present at any programs their child
is attending.
When Library
staff witness, or other patrons report, children who are not adequately
supervised or are engaging in behavior which is disturbing others or the
operation of the library, the library staff will first attempt to locate the
caretaker of the children and discuss the problem. If the caretaker of children
under the age of 10 cannot be located after announcements are made and a brief
search is conducted, the children will be referred to the Astoria Police
Department for their own safety. The Library does not impose any specific legal penalties on
caretakers of unattended children and generally limits interaction to a short
informational discussion following the incident; however, Astoria Public
Library staff have the authority to ask the children and the caretaker to leave
the premises.
Children age
10 and older may use the library on their own. Caretakers are still responsible
for the actions and well-being of their child(ren). In accordance with Astoria
Public Library Rules of Use, patrons, including children, involved in
inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library. If a child 10 and
older is not able to leave the library on their own, they should not be in the
library without a caregiver. All unaccompanied children at the library should
have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.
Library
Board Endorsement: August 5, 2025
Biannual
Review due 2027
