Children's Room Policies
The Utica Public Library Children’s Room has a wealth of resources and services available for use by children from infancy to 14 years of age. There is also a parenting collection, as well as teacher resources. The staff of the Children’s Room places a priority on providing a welcoming atmosphere, and accommodating the needs of our patrons. In order to assure that your visit is as pleasant as possible, we have established the following guidelines:
- Children under 8 years of age must be accompanied and monitored by a parent or caregiver at all times. A caregiver can be a responsible young adult at the discretion of the staff.
- The staff has the discretion to require that a parent or caregiver accompany certain children at all times, regardless of their age.
- The staff’s discretion will be used regarding the amount of time children, who are unaccompanied by an adult, may remain in the library.
- The staff’s discretion will be used regarding discipline for inappropriate behavior. Discipline will consist of verbal warnings, being asked to leave the building, and/or having library privileges temporarily suspended. Inappropriate behavior is defined as any behavior that is disrespectful or disruptive to patrons and/or staff.
- The Children’s Room has a zero tolerance policy for the following behavior:
- Any forms of verbal and/or physical aggression towards staff or patrons.
- Stealing, or willful destruction of library property.
- Any form of serious misconduct that is disturbing to staff and/or patrons.
- The staff will use its discretion in asking children to leave the library who display obvious signs of illness, even if accompanied by an adult.
- Children who have been suspended from school are not allowed in the library during school hours, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or a school appointed tutor.
- Staff will use its discretion in deciding when a situation requires that police be notified.