Here is the library's policy regarding unattended children.

The Fountaindale Public Library District welcomes and encourages children of all ages to use its facilities, materials, programs and services.  The District is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming, exciting, and safe environment for people of all ages.

The libraries are open, public buildings and the well-being and safety of young children left alone or unattended is a serious concern of the District staff.  Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility, to serve as babysitters, teachers, or disciplinarians.

In order to provide for the general welfare of children and for the benefit of all people using the library, the following rules regarding the supervision of children are in effect:

1.  Parents are responsible for their children whether or not the parent is present.

2.  Children seven years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or responsible     caregiver (14 or older) at all times, in all areas of the library.

3.  During story times or programs, the adult or responsible person must remain in the library and must return to the story or program area by the end of the event.  If a child, seven years of age or under, is found unattended, a member of the Library staff will attempt to locate the adult or responsible person.  If they cannot be located in the building or at home within 30 minutes, the local police department will be contacted to pick up the child.

4.  Children whose behavior is disruptive may be asked to leave the building.  If a child is not able to leave the library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library without an adult.  All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.

5.  The District is not responsible for the care and supervision of unaccompanied children prior to opening or after closing.  School-age children who depend on adults for transportation to return home must be picked up before the library closes.  If a child is found unattended at closing, the staff will contact the child's parent.  If no contact can be made with the child's parent, the security guard and library personnel will wait 15 minutes after closing.  If the child is still without a ride, the library staff will notify the police that there is a child without a ride and request that the police come to the library to pick up the child.  Under no circumstances may a staff member accompany a child home.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees:  2/18/2010