Children's Services

The Chelmsford Public Library welcomes parents and children and hopes that they will find the library warm, inviting, and fun. When children use the library, they are the responsibility of their parents, or another responsible adult. The Library does not act in loco parentis.
	A parent is responsible for ensuring: that children act in accordance with library policies that children’s behavior does not endanger themselves, other users, or library property that children’s behavior does not interfere with the use of the library by others.
Adult attention and companionship insures that children will not feel anxious, frightened, or vulnerable.
It is recommended that children under the age of 8 not be left unattended in the library. Children left alone for an extended period can become fearful and insecure.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED TO::
		Be familiar with the library’s hours of operation; do not drop off children opening or leave children to wait outside after closing. Library staff cannot be responsible for children left alone outside the building . Be sure older children know the location of the Main Library’s pay phone, how to use it, and how to reach you. Since the Library is frequently very busy and open to all members of the public, should you or your child ever feel uneasy or uncomfortable with another person in the building, please let a staff member know immediately. Acquaint yourself and your child with areas and materials in the Library that interest him. Introduce him to Library staff, and assure him that should he need help in any way, the staff members are there to assist. Library Internet computers in the Children’s areas have filtering software installed on them. Filtering does decrease the possibility that users will encounter dangerous Internet sites, but the software is not perfect. Parents should share the world of the Internet just as they do all Library resources.
UNATTENDED CHILDREN:
	When a child is left alone at the Library at closing time, staff should observe the following procedure:
		(a) Two staff members should wait with the child, including the senior staff member on duty. (b) Try to contact the child’s parents or legal guardians. (c) Wait 15 minutes beyond the hour of closing before calling the Chelmsford Police to come and take responsibility for the child’s safety. (d) Under no circumstances should staff drive the child home or to the police station.



	©2006 Chelmsford Public Library