Unattended Children Policy
The Superior Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for customers of all ages. Sharing this environment with others requires that everyone is respectful towards staff and other patrons and that everyone follows library policies.
The Superior Public Library encourages children to use its facilities and services. However, when children are left alone, they may become frightened or anxious. If they wander through the building, they may encounter hazards such as doors, furniture, or electrical equipment. They may also become bored and restless and could disturb the enjoyment and work of others.
The safety of children left alone in the library is of serious concern to the library staff. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent or guardian/caregiver. Library staff cannot assume responsibility for supervising children.
Levels of Supervision Required
| Age of Child | Support and Supervision |
| 6 and under | Must be directly supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver age 16 and over at all times while in the library. |
| Ages 7-9 | May enjoy the Youth Services area while parents/caregivers briefly visit other areas of the library, but the parent/caregiver must remain in the library. Parents/caregivers are expected to be present with their children during library programs, unless otherwise stated in the program description. |
| Ages 10 and up | May be unattended, providing they understand and follow library rules and observe proper conduct. Children are subject to the same rules and the same consequences, including being asked to leave the building and/or premises. |
If a child is supposed to be supervised and is not, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the library and inform them of the rules. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, if the child is found unattended again, or if the library is closing, the police may be called for assistance.
Children using inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library. Please refer to Policy on Disruptive Behavior of Minors.
All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency. This is of particular concern in inclement weather and after dark.
Children who do not have transportation home at closing time will be asked for telephone numbers of people who can pick them up at the library. If the child does not have a ride and cannot walk home alone safely, library staff will call the police; 2 staff members will stay with the child until their arrival. Library staff may not transport children to any location, even by request of the parent/caregiver.
Teenagers
Teenagers will be treated as adult patrons; however, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents and should have an emergency contact available.
Approved by the Library Board on 10/15/2026.
Previous versions: 6/27/2012