Watsonville Public Library  --  275 Main Street, Suite 100  --  (831) 768-3400

Unattended Children Policy

The Watsonville Public Library welcomes and encourages children and their caregivers to visit the library, use library resources and services and attend library programs. Caregivers must be mindful of the fact that the library is an open, public building. The well-being and safety of young children left alone raises serious concerns. Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of children at all times in the library and on library property. Library staff cannot assume responsibility for any child, even for a very short period of time.

To ensure the safety of children at the library, the following procedures will be followed:

1. Supervision of Children

   1. Preschool children should be in sight of and supervised by a parent, guardian or assigned caregiver. Parents or caregivers of preschool children are expected to remain in the library while children are attending library programs.
   2. Older children able to maintain proper library behavior may use the library unattended, otherwise they should be adequately supervised by a parent, guardian or assigned caregiver.

2. Staff may, as needed:

   1. Notify parents, guardians or assigned caregivers whose children need additional supervision;
   2. Contact authorities such as the Police either to assist with the enforcement of discipline in the library or to ensure the safety of an unattended child.

3. Staff will make a reasonable effort to assure that children leave the library safely at closing time. Staff members will remain in the library for 15 minutes if a minor child is the building after closing. After 15 minutes, staff will contact the Watsonville Police Department to ensure safe transport.

4. Under no circumstances will library staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home.