1. Unattended and Disruptive Children Policy

The staff of the SIR Library strives to create a warm, inviting, fun environment for children. The library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of books, reading and learning. However, the safety and well-being of children at the library is of serious concern. Parents are responsible for the behaviour of their children while they are in the Library and on Library property. The SIR Library staff is committed to helping children with activities related to the Library. However, it is not the Library staff’s responsibility to serve as baby-sitters, teachers, or disciplinarians.

2. Unattended Children

Children age 6 or under must be accompanied in the library. It is strongly recommended that all children are accompanied by someone who can take responsibility should an emergency occur.

Children age 7 and older may use the library on their own. However, parents are still responsible for the actions and the well-being of their child or children. Children using inappropriate behaviour may be asked to leave the library. Responsibility for the welfare and the behaviour of children using the library rests with the parent/guardian.

Parents should not use the Library as an alternative to day care. For safety’s sake, parents should make sure that their children are sufficiently mature before allowing them to visit the Library by themselves. Parents should also realize that, even in their absence, they are legally responsible for their children’s behaviour.

The Library is not responsible for the care and supervision of unaccompanied children prior to opening or after closing. Adults responsible for unattended school-age children using the Library should be aware of the Library’s hours and make arrangements to meet the children on time.

3. Disruptive Children

Disruptive behaviour is behaviour that is inappropriate in a library setting. Disruptive behaviour that is unacceptable in the Library includes:

• Running, chasing, horseplay

• Screaming, shouting, yelling, loud laughing or other noise

• Eating or drinking

• Abnormal, erratic behaviour that hinders normal library use

• Continued or frequent loud talking in study areas

• Pushing, hitting, fighting, biting

• Throwing books or other objects

• Prolonged crying or temper tantrums

• Bullying or bothering other people

• Jumping on furniture

• Dangerous use of toys (pushing toys down the slide, ramming trucks, etc.