Logan County Libraries
Unattended Children & Vulnerable Adult Policy
The library welcomes individuals of all ages to use our services in a secure, friendly, and safe environment. We encourage children and vulnerable adults to enjoy our facilities and resources. However, please note that the library is not responsible for these individuals while they are in the building or on the premises.
Supervision:
Parents and guardians are accountable for the care, behavior, and supervision of their children while using the Logan County Libraries and on its property, not the Library Staff. Since the Logan County Libraries is a public space, the Library Board of Trustees has established the following policies:
- Children who are 9 years old or younger must always be accompanied by a responsible adult while using the library's resources or participating in library programs. A responsible adult is defined as a parent, guardian, teacher, or assigned caregiver who is at least 15 years old. This adult must remain within the eyesight of the child for the entire duration of their visit to the library.
- Children ages 10 to 13 may use the library independently for a reasonable amount of time, as long as they demonstrate appropriate behavior. Parents are always responsible for their children's actions. If a child behaves inappropriately, they may be asked to leave the library. Unattended children must have a parent, guardian, or caregiver’s phone number on hand to contact in case of an emergency or any situation that requires them to leave the library.
- Children and young adults aged 14 to 17 are considered adults. Parents should be aware that even in their absence, they are legally accountable for their child's behavior.
Disruptive Behavior:
- If a child is disruptive, they will receive a verbal warning to correct their behavior or leave the library, regardless of adult supervision.
- If the child continues to be disruptive after this verbal warning, then the library staff may:
- ask the parent to remove the child from the library.
- ask the child to leave the library and, if necessary, contact the responsible adult.
Unattended Children After Closing Time – Regular Scheduled:
The Logan County Libraries will implement appropriate procedures to ensure the safety of unattended children when the library closes.
Parents must be aware of the library's hours. It is the parent's responsibility to arrange for the pickup of their children or make advance arrangements for a responsible adult to pick them up by closing time. If an unattended child remains in the library at closing time, library staff will follow these procedures:
- The library staff will make every effort to help the child contact a parent, guardian, or caregiver.
- Under no circumstances will library personnel transport or escort the child to any location outside the library.
- At least two staff members will stay with the child, as needed until a parent or responsible adult arrives to pick them up. If a parent, guardian, or caregiver cannot be contacted or located within 30 minutes, the Bellefontaine Police Department or Logan County Sheriff’s Office will be called to take custody of the child and continue efforts to reach a responsible adult.
Emergency closings and inclement weather may necessitate the library's closure without prior notice. Children should be informed about what to do if the library closes unexpectedly. Parents are responsible for their children's safety and must plan to pick them up. If a child is left unattended during an emergency closure, the same guidelines that apply to regularly scheduled closings will be enforced.
Employees are required to file an Incident Report to the Library Director within 24 hours of the incident's occurrence.
Vulnerable Adults:
A vulnerable adult is an individual over the age of 18 who is mentally or physically challenged to a degree that significantly impairs their ability to provide for their personal needs and manage their behavior without assistance.
Vulnerable adults must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver who is at least 15 years old while in the library. This person should be able to manage the vulnerable adult's behavior and meet their personal needs. However, physically challenged adults who can manage their own needs are welcome to stay in the library without supervision, provided that a contact person is available in case the adult's health or safety is at risk.
The rules for vulnerable adults at closing time will be the same as those for unattended children. Violations of the Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adult Safety Policy may result in a suspension of library privileges for the family.
Adopted by the Logan County Libraries Board of Trustees, December 19, 2024.