Rules on Behavior and Unattended Children

Disruptive Behavior
Policy on Disruptive Behavior in the Library

The library is a public institution, and it must provide open access for all members of the community, however, the comfort of the majority of the patrons and staff must be given due consideration.

The library will make every effort for children to use the library without disrupting service to others. When disruptive behavior occurs the staff member will determine if the child's parent or guardian is in the building. Once supervision has been determined, the following procedures will be taken:

A. For children (older than 6) who come to the library WITHOUT adult supervision and are disruptive:

1. Staff will politely, but firmly tell them they must stop the disruptive behavior (running, loudness, destruction, etc.) or they will be asked to leave.
2. If disruptive behavior does not stop, the staff will attempt to contact the parent or guardian, and will require the child leave the building.
3. If behavior is repeated, they may be asked to not return to the library for a specified amount of time.

B. For children who come to the library with an adult but are NOT effectively supervised:

1. Staff will politely, but firmly tell the adult that disruptive behavior must stop or they will not be permitted to use the library.
2. If disruptive behavior continues staff may require the adult to remove child(ren) from the library.

C. Adults accompanying young children who cry for an unreasonably long time may be asked to remove children until they have quieted down.

This policy is displayed at the front desk and is available upon request. The policy is designed to insure the right of every individual to use the library UNLESS his or her behavior, or those in their care, impinges on the right of other patrons to use the library.

Adopted 1995, Revised April 1997, Reviewed May 15, 2007 with no revisions.
Elko County Library Board of Trustees

Unattended Children
Policy on Unattended Children in the Library 
No child, age six or under, may be left in the library unattended or without appropriate supervision. Exceptions may be made in individual instances. Neither the County nor the staff of the Library System has custodial responsibility of unattended children. The County and the Library System assume no liability for unattended children. 

If a child is left for more than one hour in the library, staff have the option of trying to reach the child's parents or calling the police. If the staff cannot locate the parents, the police will be notified. 

If a minor is left at the Library at closing, the Library staff have the option of trying to locate the child's parents or calling the police. If the parents cannot be located, the police will be notified. 

When a child is left at the Library and the police are notified, the police will take the child into protective custody and the child will be placed in the County shelter until the parents are notified. 

Reviewed May 15, 2007 with no revisions. 
Elko County Library Board of Trustees