The Valentine Public Library is a public facility that offers services to a wide range of citizens and children are especially welcome.  The library has the responsibility to provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for every patron who is appropriately using its services and facilities.  Children and young people are expected to adhere to the same standards of patron conduct expected of adults.  Parents, guardians, or assigned chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library.

     Children under the age of six must be supervised by the person in charge of the child’s care.  Children under the age of six should never be left unsupervised in any area of the library.  If a parent cannot be located, staff will call the police to report an abandoned child.

     Older children who are disruptive will be asked to leave the library.  If the child cannot safely leave the library to return home on his or her own, staff will permit the child to call a parent.  If no parent can be contacted, library staff will either allow the child re remain at the library under close supervision until a parent can be contacted or contact the police, depending upon the severity of the situation.

     Children who have not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent.  Children who have not been picked up within fifteen minutes after closing will be left in the care of the police.  Under no circumstances will staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home.

Adopted by the Valentine Public Library Board of Trustees on: 02/06/07