Keeping Children Safe
at the Addison Public Library
Would you leave your child alone in a shopping mall to play
or read?
Please do not leave your child alone in the library.
Any public place may be dangerous for a child who is left unattended even for a brief period of time.
Children under 10 must be directly supervised by a parent or caregiver aged 16 or older at all times while in the library.
Children 10 years and older may be asked to present identification (school ID or library card).
Tips for Parents about Children using the Library
Time in the Library: One to two hours is the suggested time for children to visit the library. Children who remain longer than this often become bored, which can lead to disruptive behavior.
Library Behavior: Please talk with your children about proper library behavior: using quiet voices, no running, no eating. If children are disruptive, library staff will give them one warning. If inappropriate behavior continues, children will be asked to leave the library.
Librarians: Library staff is committed to helping children use the library’s resources, but they cannot serve as babysitters or disciplinarians.
Emergencies: Make sure that unattended children know the phone number to call in an emergency and have at least 50 cents to use the pay phone.
Picking up Children: Children must be picked up before the scheduled library closing (M-TH 9 p.m.; F-Sun 5 p.m. [6 p.m. on Fridays during the school year]). If children are not picked up by closing, staff will accompany them to the Addison Police Department to wait for a parent.