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                         Unattended Children Policy

The Waldwick Public Library welcomes children all ages to use and enjoy the facilities, collections and programs offered by the Library in a safe and comfortable environment. Service to children is an important facet of the Library’s mission.Of paramount importance is the safety and well-being of children as well as adults who visit the Library. As such, children are expected to adhere to the same standards of conduct expected from adults. Parents, guardians, caregivers or designatedchaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the Library.Children under the age of ten(10)may not be left alone on the Library premises without the supervision of a parent, guardian, caregiver or designatedchaperoneage sixteen (16) and above. The Library staff is not authorized to act in place of parents, guardians or caregivers and cannot adequately monitor unattended children. Unaccompanied children over the age of ten who are disruptive will be asked to leave the library. If it is determined that a child cannot safely leave the library to return home on his or her own, staff will permit the child to call a parent, guardian, caregiver or designated chaperone. If no parent, guardian, caregiver or designated chaperone can be contacted, Library staff will allow the child to remain at the Library until the responsible adult can be contacted.Action regarding an unattended child under age ten (10) years, including contacting the police, social services, or another agency, will be taken when his/her health or safety become an issue or there is disruptive behavior in violation of the patron Code of Conduct.Children who have not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent, guardian, caregiver or designated chaperone and two(2)staff members will wait inside the vestibule with the child.Children who have not been picked up within fifteen minutes after closing will be left in the care of the Waldwick Police Department. Under no circumstances will staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home. Approved By Board of Trustees 11/18/15

Waldwick Public Library

Patron Code of Conduct

 

The Waldwick Public Library strives to provide the highest level of service to all library users. The following rules of behavior have been drafted to protect the rights of library users to enjoy a safe environment conducive to the use of library materials and services.

Examples of disruptive or unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

 

  1. Using a cell phone in the library.

  2. Eating, drinking, or bringing food or beverages into the library.

  3. Engaging in loud conversation, using offensive language or gestures, making noise, walking fast, running, pushing, fighting, staring at or following another person.

  4. Stealing, defacing, or misusing library materials, equipment, or facilities.

  5. Smoking, using tobacco products including “electronic cigarettes” or similar while in the Library building, striking matches, or lighting lighters

  6. Misuse of restrooms; for example, shaving, bathing, or laundering clothes.

  7. Carrying a weapon into the library unless authorized by law.

  8. No person shall bring pets or animals into the Library building except those used in Library programming, working animals (as defined by ADA law) or animals used by law enforcement agencies.

  9. Playing of audio equipment.

  10. Leaving a child who needs care (generally under the age of ten) in the library without adult supervision. See Unsupervised Minor Policy.

  11. Failing to wear proper attire, including shoes and shirt.

  12. Sleeping.

  13. Moving or misusing furniture; for example, sitting on work surfaces or putting feet on chairs or work surfaces.

  14. Skating and related activities such as use of scooters, inline skates, etc.

  15. Interfering with another person’s use of the library or with a library staff member’s performance of duties.

  16. Petitioning or distributing materials in the library.

  17. Participating in any illegal or prohibited activity.

  18. Patrons are allowed in those portions of the Library facilities that are open for public use.  Patrons shall not enter areas of the building designated “staff only” except when accompanied or directed by a staff member.

 

Library users who violate library rules and regulations shall be required to leave the premises and may lose library privileges and/or be subject to police intervention, including arrest.

 

Updated by the Library Board of Trustees                             Date: June 18, 2025

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