The Grafton Public Library strives to make the Library a welcoming environment and to instill a love of libraries and reading in our young patrons. Children are welcomed and encouraged to use the Library and all of the resources and programs the Library provides.

Children are safest in the library when they are being supervised by a parent or caregiver. The Grafton Public Library is a public space intended for use by Grafton residents as well as residents from surrounding towns. Certain precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of our youngest Library patrons.

The Grafton Public Library takes pride in creating a friendly, respectful atmosphere for all visitors and staff. To this end, we expect children and families to behave in a manner that is respectful of others and their right to use the Library.

  1. Children ages 0–7 must be accompanied at all times by a parent/guardian/responsible caregiver who is at least 14 years of age, heretofore referred to as "guardian."
  2. Children ages 8–12 may be left unaccompanied in the Children's Room while their guardian pursues other activities in the Library, provided the child is able to use the Library independently, without supervision. An exception may be made for students in grades 3–5 attending tween programs and students in grades 6–8 attending teen programs on a case-by-case basis with the guardian's and Library's permission.
  3. Children ages 13 and older may use the Library without an adult in attendance, provided the child is able to use the Library independently, without supervision. Children ages 13–18 left unaccompanied must be able to contact a guardian in case of emergency. Guardians should be aware of posted Library hours (Monday–Thursday 10am–9pm; Friday/Saturday 10am–6pm) and pick their children up before the Library closes.
  4. Youth volunteers under age 14 must be accompanied by their guardian.
  5. The Library cannot assume responsibility for the behavior or safety of children of any age left unattended at the Library. Staff members are unable to watch children for their guardians. If material is needed from a collection outside of the Children's Room, children must accompany their guardian, or a staff member may be asked for assistance in obtaining material.
  6. Disruptive visitors of any age may be asked to leave the Library at staff member's discretion. The Code of Conduct is posted in all departments and on the Library website. Entering the building constitutes agreement to comply.
  7. Guardians are liable for all damage done by their children to the Library facility or Library materials. The toys in the Children's Room are communal; they must be shared with other children and should be cleaned up and put away at the end of each visit.
  8. Per the Library's Materials Selection Policy, guardians are responsible for supervising the materials their child is allowed to borrow or use in the Library and should make their rules clear to their own child(ren). The Grafton Public Library does not act in loco parentis, which means that we do not monitor Library materials children choose, nor do we limit children's access to any materials available in the Library.
  9. Under Massachusetts Law, what a person borrows from the library is confidential, regardless of the person's age [MGL Ch 78, Sec 7].

Adopted, Board of Library Trustees
Date: December 10, 2014
Reviewed & Revised: May 4, 2016; June 23, 2021