Middlebury Public Library welcomes children to Library programs and to use its materials. However, the safety of children left alone in the building is a serious concern of the Library staff. While every attempt is made to provide a safe and inviting atmosphere, it is not possible for staff to monitor every child in the building all the time. The safety and behavior of minor children in the Library is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver and not library personnel.

• Children 9 and younger must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible person (age 13 or older). For children attending Library programs where a parent is not specifically required, parents or guardians must be available to meet the child immediately after the program ends or as need might arise during the program or story hour.
• Children 10 and 11 require a parent or other responsible person (age 13 or older) be present on library premises. However, parents are still responsible for the actions of their child(ren). Children behaving inappropriately will be informed and the parents notified if further misbehavior warrants.
• Children 12 years and older may use the Library unattended by an adult, subject to all Library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct, and demeanor.
• Closing time: staff will assist any minor whose transportation home has not arrived by closing to contact a parent or guardian. Two staff members will remain up to 15 minutes after closing to wait with the child for their transportation to arrive. If the child has not been picked up by a responsible party within this time, staff will call the local police or Child Services. Staff will not drive or otherwise accompany the child home.
• Parents attending meetings on Library property, whether sponsored by an outside group or the Library, must leave their children at home, keep them with them in the meeting, or have them supervised as per the above rules.

Revised 12/19/2024