Purpose

The Richland Public Library (RPL) serves children and families with a wide range of educational and recreational collections and programs.  RPL supports parents and guardians in their efforts to guide their children’s reading, viewing, and listening choices.  The purpose of this policy is to inform parents and guardians of their responsibilities regarding their children’s use of the library.

Statement of Policy

In the library, many patrons must share common space and resources.  Disruptive, rowdy, or unsafe behavior will not be permitted.  Parents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for their children’s behavior, supervision, and safety while their children are in the library or on library grounds, which includes their children’s access to library materials and electronic resources.

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to monitor their children’s and teens’ use of library resources and to determine whether to place restrictions. RPL encourages parents/guardians to talk to their children and teens about the kinds of materials they think are suitable for borrowing or accessing.

RPL recommends that a parent, guardian, or other responsible party be present to supervise children ages 12 and younger. Supervising adults must be close at hand. RPL staff is available to assist parents, guardians, and children in the use of the library. However, the library is not intended to provide supervision for unattended children.

If a minor, age 17 or younger, is acting in an unsafe manner, appears to be in distress, or is violating the Library Standards of Patron Behavior, staff will attempt to locate or contact the parent, guardian, or other party responsible for the minor. If the parent, guardian, or responsible party cannot be reached, staff will attempt to de-escalate the situation. If the behavior continues, the minor may be asked to leave the library or, depending on the severity of the action, staff will contact law enforcement for assistance.

Closing Time

Children ages 12 and under who do not have transportation at closing time will be allowed to contact their parent or guardian by phone.  If the child does not know the phone number, staff members may use library records to help locate the parent/guardian. The child or staff will ask that the parent/guardian come and pick up the child within 15 minutes. 

If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, or if a child age 12 and under is not picked up within 15 minutes after closing time, library staff will notify the police non-emergency number at 509-628-0333 to assist with the situation. Two staff members will wait in the library with the child until the responding authorities arrive. Once at the library, the responding authority will take responsibility and attempt to resolve the situation. Under no circumstances will library staff provide transportation or accompany a child home.

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• Approved by the Richland Public Library Board on February 14, 2012.
• Amended March 8, 2022