The Mansfield/Richland County Public Library wants children to use its facilities and services.  The safety of children left alone in a library building is a serious concern of the library staff.  The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with the library personnel. Library staff cannot be responsible for children who are unattended or demonstrating inappropriate behavior.

1. Children in the library should always be accompanied by a parent/guardian or assigned caregiver, according to the guidelines listed below:
2. Children aged 8 and under must have a parent/caregiver within eyesight. Caregivers must be at least 13 years of age and should carry emergency contact information.
3. Children of all ages using inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library. If a child is not able to leave the library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library without an adult.
4. Closing time: Children of all ages who do not have transportation home at closing time will be asked for telephone numbers of people who can pick them up at the library. If transportation is not available within 30 minutes of closing, the police will be asked to pick up the child(ren). 

Thank you for working with us to keep your children safe.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, January 15, 2019.