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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:
 
  1. 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.
  2. The staff has the discretion to require that a parent or caregiver accompany certain children at all times, regardless of their age.
  3. The staff’s discretion will be used regarding the amount of time children, who are unaccompanied by an adult, may remain in the library.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
    Engaging in any of the above forms of misbehavior will lead to permanent suspension from the library.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Staff will use its discretion in deciding when a situation requires that police be notified.