The Oakmont Carnegie Library encourages visits to the library by children and families, and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable. However, parents or legal guardians are responsible for the conduct, safety and well-being of their minor children (under 10 years of age) in the Library or on Library grounds.
The library is not responsible for the safety or well-being of any patron beyond the extent expected of a public facility. Library staff members are not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.
An unattended child is a child of any age who is unaccompanied by an adult. Parents, guardians, and caregivers may not leave a child alone or in the care of other children who are unable or unwilling to provide adequate care. Supervising adults must be nearby.
As in all public places, “stranger danger” is a real concern. Library staff cannot prevent children from interacting with or leaving with people who are not their appropriate chaperone.
If the library is closed, at its regular time or in an emergency, and a parent or guardian of a child is not in the building, the local police department will be called to care for the child. In the event of a child being regularly left in the building alone, a letter will be sent to the guardian or parent. If action is not taken by guardian or parent, the police will be notified.
Adopted: August 11, 2007
Revised: April 14, 2010, 2021, October 2023