1. Mission Statement
The East Routt Library District dba Bud Werner Memorial Library (Library) offers many spaces, programming and collections for youth intended to further the Library’s mission: Promoting Enrichment, Education and Escape for Everyone
2. Purpose of the Children’s Use Policy
The Children’s Library Use Policy, approved by the East Routt Library District Board of Trustees, is intended to outline our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for families and children.
3. Guidelines
Unattended Children
Children under the age of 8 should be accompanied by an adult or caregiver and be within their line of sight while in the library.
Child Safety
Although the library is concerned with the welfare of all its users, the Library is a public place and cannot ensure the safety of children while on the premises. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are directly responsible for the conduct, safety, and supervision of children while on Library premises. A child must be 12 years of age to be left in charge of younger children.
Appropriate Behavior
The Patron Code of Conduct extends to children and teens as well as adults. Staff should inform children and teens when their behavior is inappropriate for the library. If the inappropriate behavior continues, staff should contact the child’s parents. If inappropriate behavior persists, suspension of library privileges may result.
Access to Youth’s Areas
The Youth areas of the Library are specifically designed to serve the needs of age-appropriate users. Adults in those area not using youth materials or not using the area for the purpose intended, may be asked to use other areas of the Library.
Borrowing
The library does not monitor library materials children choose, nor does it limit children’s access to any materials available in the Library. Parents and guardians are responsible for the materials their child is allowed to use or borrow and should make their rules clear to their own child
Staff Role
Staff have many responsibilities and cannot always tend to a child’s needs in their fullest capacity. Staff will comfort, console, and tend to injured children when possible, and attempt to contact a parent or caregiver.
All interactions with and assistance to youth will follow protocols outlined in the Bud Werner Memorial Library’s Staff & Volunteer Code of Conduct with Minors which was developed in accordance with the Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act (C.R.S. 13-20-1201).
~Adoped March 23, 2023
