The Pendleton Community Public Library makes every effort to provide for the general welfare and safety of all persons using the library. With the safety of young patrons in mind, parents/guardians are ultimately responsible for their children’s behavior while in the library. Library staff is not responsible, nor or they equipped, for supervising children using the library.

Children 7 years and younger shall, at all times, be in the immediate presence of, and adequately supervised by an adult or mature adolescent, 16 years and older. No child under the age of 10 is allowed in the library without the accompaniment of an adult or mature adolescent who remains in the building during the entire duration of the visit.

To ensure that all people can use the library in a comfortable and safe environment, the library reserves the right to determine what it considers to be disruptive or inappropriate behavior. Disruptive children may be asked to leave. Staff will attempt to notify parents of their children’s behavior and may be requested to pick up their child/children. See the Patron Behavior Policy for additional information.

If a minor, under 18 years of age, has been left at the library at closing time without their own transportation, staff will attempt to call a parent or guardian to pick them up. Under NO circumstances should a staff member give a child a ride, nor should a staff member be alone with the child at any time. At least two staff members will wait with the child until twenty minutes after closing. If the child’s parent or guardian could not be contacted or has not arrived by that time, the local police will be called to handle the situation. Staff will wait with the child until police arrive.

Adopted by the Pendleton Community Library Board of Trustees
September 14, 2022