Unattended Minors Policy

Unattended Minors Policy
A major emphasis of the Sedalia Public Library mission to the community is
service to children. Children are welcome to use the library at any time during
operating hours. The Sedalia Public Library Board of Trustees believes that the
fundamental responsibility for a minor’s physical well-being remains with the
parents of the minor. In addition, the library is not to be used as a childcare
facility, nor are staff members considered babysitters. The library assumes no
liability for unattended minors.
Children should be patrons of the library and be at least 10 years old to be
alone at the library. Any minor of preschool age must be within eyesight of a
parent, guardian or caregiver. The parent or caregiver must be aware of and
monitor the minor’s behavior.
1. Any minor visiting the library without a parent, guardian or caregiver
should be a patron of the library, with updated parent contact
information on file, in case of emergency.
2. Any minor visiting the library without a parent, guardian or caregiver must
behave in an appropriate manner. Minors who misbehave will be warned
to stop the inappropriate behavior. If the misbehavior continues, the
minor will be asked to leave. The minor or a library staff member will call a
parent, guardian or caregiver to come and pick them up.
3. For any minor not picked up by closing time, Police will be called to pick
up the minor. Under no circumstances will library staff be permitted to
transport children in their personal vehicles or leave the library with the
children in their charge.
Adopted February 14, 2022