Unattended Children and Disruptive Behavior
The Boerne Public Library, its Director, and staff are not responsible for the care, supervision, safety and behavior of children on the premises. Parents/guardians (even while absent) are responsible for the care, supervision, safety and behavior of their children while in the library.
Children 8 and under must be under the supervision of an adult or mature adolescent (at least 13 years of age or older) who is physically present with the child when visiting the library.
Children 4 and under must remain in the direct "line of sight" of the adult or mature adolescent at all times when the child is on the library premises.
Children 9 and older may use the library unattended by an adult or mature adolescent as long as they follow all applicable library policies, including those on conduct and behavior. However, the Boerne Public Library is a public place, and the Library Director and staff are not responsible for the care, supervision or safety of any child on its premises.
Children 8 and under may not attend library movie or arts programming without an adult or mature adolescent present. Children 9 and older may attend without an adult or mature adolescent present. Parents/guardians should be aware of program end times to allow for prompt pick-up. For safety's sake, parents/guardians should come inside the library to pick up their children after a special program.
Library staff will not transport children to another location under any circumstances. Everyone must leave the library at closing time. The Boerne Police Department will be called in the event that any child (16 and under) is left unattended in the library at closing time.
Consequences of Disruptive Behavior:
Behavior that is unacceptable is outlined in the Library's Customer Conduct Policy.
When parents/guardians or caregivers are present:
1. A staff member will identify the behavior that is violating library policy and ask the child to stop.
2. If the behavior continues, the child will immediately be redirected toward the parent/guardian or caregiver for supervision.
3. If the parent/guardian or caregiver refuses or is unable to control the child, the entire party will be asked to leave.
4. If the entire party refuses to leave, the Boerne Police Department will be called.
When children 9 and over are unattended:
1. A staff member will identify the behavior that is violating library policy and ask the child to stop.
2. If the behavior continues after ONE verbal warning, the child will be instructed to leave the library premises for the remainder of the business day.
3. If the child refuses to leave, the Boerne Police Department will be called.
4. Chronic behavior problems will lead to permanent revocation of library privileges.
5. A zero-tolerance policy will be enforced on library premises for behavior that is deemed to be illegal, dangerous, or harmful to patrons or staff.
Last revision: October 13, 2005
(Reviewed by City of Boerne legal counsel, October 2005)
Initially adopted: September 8, 2003
