The Bridgeville Public Library welcomes and encourages children to visit the library, use library resources and services, and attend library programs. Staff members are available to help and support children; however, the library is not able to provide short- or long-term child care, or be responsible for unattended children. The Library is not responsible if children leave Library property unattended.
Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of children at all times in the Library and on library property. Children are expected to respect library property and adhere to the rules outlined in the "Public Behavior in the Library" policy.
Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library.
A child who is participating in a library program without a parent but such parent is in the building is not considered unattended.
Toddlers or very young children who are left unsupervised while a parent is in another area of the building will be considered unattended.
Children under 10 who are dropped off at the library without a parent, guardian, or older sibling will be considered unattended.
Rules regarding disruptive behavior in the Library's Patron Behavior Policy apply to children as well. If the child is disruptive, the child will be asked to leave the library.
Children must be picked up before the library closes. Once the library is closed, children cannot wait inside the building and staff is unavailable to stay with children until they are picked up.
Staff may contact the Bridgeville Police Department if a parent or guardian of an unattended child cannot be located.
In case of medical emergency when parents are not with the child, staff will contact 911 and the parents, in that order.
Library staff will attempt to contact a parent, guardian, and/or caregiver in circumstances such as the following:
- An unattended child is engaging in behavior that is disruptive to other library users, staff, or the normal operations of library business.
- An unattended child is involved in a situation that is potentially harmful to the health or safety of the child and/or others.
- An unattended child is left alone at the Library at closing time.
Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If parents, guardians, and/or caregivers cannot be reached, or are unresponsive, the Library will work with other city, county and state agencies as needed.
