Un-attended Children

Library staff cannot supervise un-attended children, nor do they have any legally recognized authority to take the place of a parent or responsible family member. There have been several cases of adult sexual predators stalking children in Ohio libraries. The reason these predators have sought out libraries is because they know parents think the library is a safe place to leave their children unattended. We live in an age when children are often not safe in our front yards, or even in a church. The public library is no exception.

Newcomerstown Public Library employees cannot act as parents in absentia and cannot be responsible for un-attended children.

Library employees are responsible for assisting children with locating materials, answering reference questions, and presenting programs for the eduction and enjoyment of area children. All reasonable care will be taken to provide guidance and a safe environment for children in the library and related functions. We must rely on parents to supervise children so we can serve all our young patrons well.

Parents must accompany young children to the library or arrange suitable supervision

If conduct problems or emergencies arise involving un-attended children; the library staff has no choice but ot contact local law enforcement who may then contact Children's Services