Unattended Child Policy
Harney County Library welcomes and encourages library use by all children. The library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of books, reading and learning. We strive to provide a safe and appropriate environment for all library users. However, our library is a public building and childcare is not the library's role.
Parents and guardians are responsible for the safety, comfort and behavior of their minor children, regardless of age, while in the library.
Per Oregon Revised Statute 163.545, parents, legal guardians, and caregivers must adequately supervise children less than 10 years of age. Adequate supervision is defined as having a parent/guardian or assigned caregiver in the immediate vicinity, within sight and conversational distance. Children 10 and older may use the library unattended provided they adhere to the library Code of Conduct. Parents/legal guardians will be held responsible for damage to library property caused by their children.
Any of the following situations, and others as determined by library staff, will result in staff attempting to contact the child’s parent or guardian:
If we are unable to contact child’s parent/guardian, the child may be placed in the care of the appropriate agency.
Approved by Harney County Library Advisory Board 06/27/2023
Parents and guardians are responsible for the safety, comfort and behavior of their minor children, regardless of age, while in the library.
Per Oregon Revised Statute 163.545, parents, legal guardians, and caregivers must adequately supervise children less than 10 years of age. Adequate supervision is defined as having a parent/guardian or assigned caregiver in the immediate vicinity, within sight and conversational distance. Children 10 and older may use the library unattended provided they adhere to the library Code of Conduct. Parents/legal guardians will be held responsible for damage to library property caused by their children.
Any of the following situations, and others as determined by library staff, will result in staff attempting to contact the child’s parent or guardian:
- Any unattended child who is frightened or crying in the library
- Any unattended child doing something dangerous or another person in the library seems to be a danger to the child
- Any unattended child who is not following the library Code of Conduct
- No caregiver comes to pick up a child at closing time
If we are unable to contact child’s parent/guardian, the child may be placed in the care of the appropriate agency.
Approved by Harney County Library Advisory Board 06/27/2023