Child Safety Policy

Purpose

To ensure a safe, respectful, and age‑appropriate environment for all children using the Grafton Public Library by outlining supervision requirements and expectations for behavior, responsibility, and access. 

A. Children (Ages 0–7) 

Children ages 0–7 must be directly supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver age 14 or older (hereafter referred to as “guardian”). 

B. Children (Ages 8–12) 

Children ages 8–12 and in 6th grade or below may remain unaccompanied in the Library while their guardian is elsewhere in the building, provided the child can use the Library independently and follow all Library rules. Children ages 8–9 may remain only in the Children’s Room, while children ages 10 and older may use any library space. Exceptions for tween or teen programs may be granted on a case‑by‑case basis with approval from both the guardian and Library staff. 

C. Tweens and Teens (Ages 12–18) 

Youth who are at least 12 years old and in 7th grade or above may use the Library unaccompanied throughout the building, provided they can use the Library independently and follow all Library rules. Youth ages 12–18 who are left unaccompanied must be able to contact a guardian in case of emergency. Guardians must be aware of posted Library hours and ensure that their children are picked up at least 5 minutes before the Library closes. 

D. Youth Volunteers Under Age 14 

Youth volunteers under age 14 must be accompanied by their guardian while volunteering. 

E. Library Responsibility 

The Library cannot assume responsibility for the behavior, safety, or supervision of any child left unattended. Staff cannot monitor children for their guardians. If a child requires materials from outside the Children’s Room, the guardian must accompany them, or staff may assist in retrieving materials as appropriate. 

F. Disruptive Behavior 

Visitors of any age who engage in disruptive behavior may be asked to leave at staff discretion. The Library’s Code of Conduct is posted in all departments and on the Library website. Entering the Library constitutes agreement to comply with Library policies. 

G. Liability for Damage 

Guardians are financially responsible for any damage their children cause to Library property or materials. Toys and materials in the Children’s Room are communal and must be shared, cleaned up, and put away after use. 

H. Access to Library Materials 

Per the Library’s Collection Development Policy, guardians are responsible for determining what materials their children may use or borrow. The Library does not act in loco parentis and does not restrict children’s access to Library materials. 

I. Patron Privacy 

Under Massachusetts law, all patron borrowing records are confidential, regardless of age (MGL Ch. 78, Sec. 7).