SCLD Policies / Children's Safety in Libraries Policy

Spokane County Library District holds parents responsible for assuring that their children are cared for, are safe, and feel secure when visiting a District library. This parental responsibility extends to their children's use of District computers with access to the World Wide Web. Programming offered for children at the library is not intended to take the place of care by a parent or other caregiver.

The District respects the privacy of parents and children who use its libraries; however, District personnel will take appropriate action if a child visiting a library appears to be "at risk."

At-risk children include:

• Preschoolers (children under the age of 6) left alone at a library.
• Children of any age who become disruptive or appear to be frightened when left alone or in the care of other children at a library.
• Children who appear to be subjected to physical or emotional abuse while using library facilities.
• Children who appear to be subjected to uninvited interactions.
• Children under the age of 12 or children who appear to be frightened when alone in a library at closing time.

If one of the above situations occurs, staff shall follow established District procedures, which may include notification of a law enforcement or child protective services agency, as appropriate.

The Director is authorized to develop procedures to implement this Policy.

ADOPTED BY THE SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: DECEMBER 19, 1991
LATEST REVISION: MAY 17, 2005
LAST REVIEWED AND REAFFIRMED: SEPTEMBER 15, 2009