Themonitor.com has an article today about "child overload" at libraries in the McAllen TX area. I'm quoted as saying that unattended children at libraries is a huge issue around the country...I see it wherever I travel.
You may have read the NYT article Jan 2d about Maplewood Memorial Library (NJ) plans to close two buildings from 2:45 to 5 pm due to unruly behavior (urination, graffiti, threats). Here's the update which got less press: the library trustees rescinded that decision and report that the township is working with the community and the schools to come up with alternative places for middle school children to go to after school.
That sounds like the right approach. It's a community-based problem, and the best solutions come from working proactively with community programs, schools, police, recreation centers etc. San Marino (CA) and Virginia Beach (VA) took community-wide approaches, ultimately resulting in city ordinances to address the issue. [Correction: Virginia Beach has an administrative directive]
14.08.04: RESTRICTIONS ON UNATTENDED MINORS AT PUBLIC LIBRARY:
A. Purpose And Intent: This section is intended to implement section 625.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, which authorizes the governing body of a city, by ordinance, to prohibit minors from remaining in or upon public places unsupervised after hours. The purpose of this section is to encourage parents and legal guardians to exercise reasonable care, supervision, and control over their minor children in order to prevent juvenile victimization and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children.
B. Unattended Minors At The Public Library: Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 14.08.01A of this article, it is unlawful for any minor who is twelve (12) years of age or younger to be and remain upon the grounds of the public library for more than one-quarter (1/4) hour after the closing hour of the library, as established by the city council, unless one of the exceptions set forth in subsection 14.08.01D of this article is applicable to that minor.
San Marino City Code 14.08.04: Restrictions On Unattended Minors At Public Library
I am also really impressed with the Jacksonville Public Library policy. It sets a welcoming tone, and has clearly stated requirements. Children up to age 8 must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child. If a child is found unattended a second time, the police are called. Children age 8 and older may use the library on their own, but may be asked to leave the library if exhibiting inappropriate behavior. The policy states that if a child in this age group is not able to leave the library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library alone.
There's more good stuff in the policy regarding emergency contact info, vulnerable adults, and closing time. Take a look.
If you have other good policies to share, or any comments, please click comment link. More info at California Library Association and New Jersey Library Association (by attorney Grayson Barber), and LibraryLaw.com sites.
I greatly enjoyed your presentation at the RILA conference. You asked to share our stories. I've enclosed a link to a story that you may or may not know about. It's from back in 2002.
http://mblc.state.ma.us/mblc/publications/newsletter/past-newsletters/2002/21_6/wakefield.php
Best wishes and thanks for making your expertise available to us.
Posted by: Peter Fuller | June 06, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I think gaining understanding for this subject is really important. I personally think that one should gain as much information and knowledge as possible on this topic. The more we know the better we deal in different type of situations. Here is another related page that may be of interest to some, it’s all about child behavior problems, here it is http://www.parenting-education-rights.com/Child-Behavior-Problems.php
Posted by: Michael M | May 11, 2007 at 06:27 AM
The Rural Libraries Initiative in CA has an online Clearinghouse at resourceroundup.net. Content in this online product was suggested by a panel of rural librarians. There is a section on Unattended Children's Policies. To view, go to resourceroundup.net, register by recording your email address, click on "Policies, Procedures, Manuals," and go to Unattended Children in the drop down menu.
Posted by: Marian Milling | February 01, 2007 at 09:33 PM
The McAllen library system has a problem that is rare: many of the children that are here are waiting for parents that are in another country. When the bridge to Reynosa (Mexico) gets backed up, children may wind up waiting hours past closing. It's not uncommon for parents that work in the maquiladoras of Reynosa to cross the border four times a day to drop off and pick up their children who are attending McAllen schools. This suggests other problems
Posted by: Albert Chambers | January 30, 2007 at 01:05 PM
in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact
Our city has an ordinance like this for dogs in the park. People ignore it because they think it applies only to others.
Posted by: Norma | January 25, 2007 at 12:54 PM
Here's ours - Washoe County Library, Reno, NV. In brief: No child aged nine or under may be left unattended in any area of the library. Children nine (9) years of age and younger must be supervised by a caregiver at least thirteen (13) years old who is able to attend to the child's safety and insure appropriate behavior. The rest is here: http://tinyurl.com/yupzmg
Posted by: Turi | January 25, 2007 at 11:11 AM