… will be fed to snakes.

The preceding statement is not true. The following is:

Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children while they are in the Library. The Schmaling Memorial Public Library District staff is committed to helping children with activities related to the Library. However, library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility to, serve as baby-sitters, teachers, or disciplinarians. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges. Whenever advisable, the Library will notify the parent of incidents involving an unattended child. [Form follows.]

Children under the age of 9 years old must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver (at least 14 years old), with the exception of library sponsored programming. When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt,  the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, or if the Library is closing, library staff (two) is authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive.

From time to time, the Schmaling Memorial Public Library District schedules or provides programs which are designed and suitable for attendance by children without parental supervision. Such program announcements will so indicate, and if no indication is included, then supervision is required. Children aged 6 through 8 years old may attend library sponsored programs independently unless supervision is indicated.

Children over the age of 9 years old may use the Library unattended by an adult — subject to other library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct, and demeanor.

Approved by Schmaling Memorial Public Library District Board of Trustees 1/8/08, Revised 5/16/16