HomeMy WebLinkAbout(2011, 09/27) - I-6 - AmendedI-6
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CHILDREN IN THE LIBRARY
The Newport Beach Public Library encourages parents/adult caregivers to bring
children to the library whenever possible. The City offers many programs designed to
encourage children to use and enjoy the library. The library staff has been trained to
help children enjoy the library and the materials it offers; the library is not a babysitting
or daycare facility. It is the responsibility of the parent/adult caregiver to supervise
and ensure the safety, welfare and appropriate behavior of his/her children while in the
Library.
For purposes of this policy the term disruptive behavior means the creation of loud and
unreasonable noise, running, jumping, climbing, fighting or other behavior which could
interfere with the rights of other patrons.
Library staff shall administer the following policies relative to the presence of children
in the library:
A. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHT
Children under eight may not be left unattended in the library. Parents/adult
caregivers must be present in the immediate vicinity of any child under eight.
Parents/adult caregivers are responsible for their child's behavior while in the
library and staff will attempt to advise the parent/adult caregiver if the child's
behavior is disrupting staff or other patrons. Parents/adult caregivers who fail
to correct their child's behavior in response to a request from staff may be asked
to remove their child from the library.
If it is determined that any child under the age of eight is unattended, and the
parent/adult caregiver is not in the building, staff may call the Newport Beach
Police Department to place the child in care of the police.
B. CHILDREN BETWEEN EIGHT AND TWELVE
Children between the ages of eight and twelve may use the library on their own,
but the parent/adult caregiver assumes responsibility for their behavior. Staff
may ask children of that age to behave and, if the disruptive behavior continues,
will request that the child leave the library. An attempt may be made to notify
parents/adult caregivers; however, the library assumes no responsibility to do
so.
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Neither the Newport Beach Public Library nor the City of Newport Beach
assumes responsibility for the welfare of any child asked to leave the library.
C. CHILDREN TWELVE AND OLDER
Disruptive children over the age of twelve will be asked to leave the facility after
receiving one warning from staff. If the child refuses to leave the library, the
police may be called for assistance. Staff will attempt to notify the responsible
parent/adult caregiver before or after the warning and may request parental
assistance.
Neither the Newport Beach Public Library nor the City of Newport Beach
assumes responsibility for the welfare of any child asked to leave the library.
D. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE
Any child under the age of twelve who remains in the library at closing time
without a parent/caregiver present shall be placed in the care of the Newport
Beach Police Department.
Adopted - January 24, 1994
Reassigned – April 8, 2003
Amended – September 27, 2011
Formerly I-20