Unattended Children

Taylor Public Library

Unattended Children Policy

Approved by Library Board: Sept. 2009; rev. Mar.2023
Approved by City Council: Oct. 2009

Library Mission

The mission of the Taylor Public Library is to promote a lifelong love of reading and to provide educational, informational, and recreational resources to patrons of all ages, cultural and economic backgrounds.

Approved by the Library Board, 2-18-97

Purpose

The Taylor Public Library is a public facility of the City of Taylor that offers vital, enriching services and materials to citizens and visitors of all ages.  Children are particularly encouraged to enjoy the Library with their parents and families.  The Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and friendly environment for all library visitors.

The safety of children in the Library is a serious concern.  Unattended children can become frightened or anxious.  An unattended child might encounter hazards or dangers that could be circumvented with adult supervision.    An unattended child might also become bored or frustrated and act inappropriately in the Library.   Parents who leave their children unattended at the Library are exposing their child to potential harm and may themselves be committing an offense under the Texas Penal Code, Section 22.041c. 

Rules

The Library does not provide care or supervision of children and does not accept responsibility for children in the Library.  Parents or legal guardians are responsible for their children's safety and behavior in the Library.   To ensure a positive experience for children visiting the Library, the following rules have been developed.

1.    Children 7 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent, a responsible adult or designated caregiver of 16 yrs or older.

a.    Young children 7 years old and younger should not be left alone in a different area of the library from their parent, adult or caregiver. Close proximity is required. 

2.    Children of any age with mental, physical, emotional or behavior problems which necessitate supervision must be accompanied by a parent or adult (18 yrs) caregiver at all times. 

3.    Children habitually left unattended for long periods of time are an unacceptable use of the Library.  The Library is not a daycare facility.  Children of any age should not be left in the Library to the extent that they are missing meals, have no responsible adult to contact or have no means to get home independently. 

4.    Children of all ages must adhere to the same standards of conduct as required of all patrons (see Code of Conduct and all other Library policies).  Refusal to follow Library rules will result in individuals being asked to leave, whether or not parents or caregivers are present.  Staff members reserve the right to notify parents, guardians or the Taylor Police Department as they deem necessary. 

5.    Parents and guardians should be aware of Library hours and make arrangements to meet or transport children under the age of 15 by closing times. 

a.    Youth will be given the opportunity to contact their parent or caregiver for a ride home.

b.    Staff will not transport children under any circumstances, ever.

c.    If a child's parent or caregiver cannot be reached, has not picked up the child after a reasonable period of time, Library staff will turn the child over to the custody of the Taylor Police Department.

6.    Parents or guardians in violation of this policy may receive a copy of this policy or a letter from the Library Director.  Repeat offenses of this policy can lead to a report to Child Protective Services.