Keeping Safe
While Visiting the St. Charles Public Library

Important Information for Parents and Children

The St. Charles Public Library welcomes and encourages children of all ages to use their Library and strives to provide a welcoming environment for everyone.

The Library, however, is not designed or licensed to provide childcare or to assume any parental responsibilities for children while they are in the Library.

Parents and Caregivers…

The St. Charles Public Library, although a fun place to be, is a busy public building, and public places are not always safe for unsupervised children. Just as you would not leave your child alone in a shopping mall, please do not leave your child alone in the Library.

For Your Child’s Safety . . .

• Children age 7 and under need direct parental supervision. Please remain in the same area of the Library as your children. A responsible caregiver, age 16 or older, also may supervise children.
• Be in close proximity and within sight of children under the age of 3 so they will know that you are right there for them.
• During programs for children age 7 and under, remain in the Library and be at the door of the Story or Meeting Room before the program is scheduled to end.
• Model good behavior, thereby helping children to learn how to conduct themselves in the Library environment.
• Review Library rules with children ages 8 and older to ensure they are mature enough to observe proper conduct when left unattended.

Lost Children or Parents …

If you and your child become separated and you are unable to locate your child, immediately contact staff at any service desk. An alert over the public address system will put staff into action to assist in locating your child.

Encourage your child to come to any service desk if he becomes separated from you.

Library Conduct . . . Parents, please review these points with your children: Use a soft voice while in the Library so others are not disturbed. Walk at all times so you won’t fall and hurt yourself. Do not stand on or climb on furniture or shelves. Food is not allowed in the Library. Covered beverages are allowed in the Library. Beverages are NOT, however, allowed in the Tech Center, Carnegie Community Room, Carnegie Business Room, and the Story Room in Youth Services. Treat library materials with care. Please take books off the shelves carefully. Books you do not want may be placed flat on the shelf or on a book cart, but not back on the shelf. Please do not push books to the back of the shelf or leave books on the floor. Remember to place completed puzzles back in the puzzle rack and stuffed animals back on the bookcases.

Copies of the Policy on Unattended Children are available on this website or at the Youth Services ASK ME Desk. The policy was adopted February 11, 1987 and most recently revised on July 13, 2005.