Child Safe Policy

The James A. Tuttle Library provides an array of services to children from babies to “tweens”. The Library offers story hours, internet access, homework help, and advice on books to read, along with other educational and entertaining programs. The children's collections hold a wide assortment of fiction, folktales, picture books, nonfiction, audio books, movies, reference materials, and public computers. The children's spaces are reserved for children, their parents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers, and people researching children's literature.

The Library encourages frequent visits by children and their families. However, Library staff cannot provide child care or assume responsibility for children's safety. Parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers, not Library staff, are responsible for the behavior and safety of children visiting the Library. Staff cannot be placed in the position of supervising unattended children.

Children under the age of ten (10) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents may visit other areas of the Library while a child attends a Library program, but they must be close at hand when the program is finished.

Children are expected to behave in a manner conducive to maintaining an appropriate atmosphere in the building for all patrons. (Please refer to the Behavior Policy.)

Children must know how to reach an adult in case of an emergency, and both children and adults need to be aware of Library hours.

Unattended Children

An unattended child is a child under the age of 10 who is apparently unaccompanied by a responsible adult. Parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers must be close at hand and may not leave children alone or in the care of other children who are unable or unwilling to provide adequate care.

As in all public places, “stranger danger” and safety are a real concern. As with any valuables, do not leave your child unattended.

If the Library is closing, at a regular time or in an emergency situation, and a parent or guardian of a child cannot be located in the building, the Antrim Police Department will be called to assist with locating a parent or guardian.

Adopted by the James A. Tuttle Board of Trustees on March 9, 2021