Unattended Children Policy

Children under ten (10) may not be left unattended. A sibling and/or a babysitter (age 15 or older) may accompany a young child; however, if the sibling or babysitter cannot control the younger child, the younger child shall be considered unattended. 

The Kyle Public Library strives to create an environment that is a warm, inviting and fun place for children to develop an appreciation of the varied services and materials that the library offers. Many programs are offered to children to introduce them to these services and materials, however, when children are left unattended they often become disruptive.

The Kyle Public Library affirms the responsibility and the right of all parents and guardians to guide their own children’s use of the library’s resources and services. To this end, the Kyle Public Library has established the following guidelines for children in the Library.

The policies and rules for disruptive behavior as stated in the Behavior Policy apply to children as well.

Staff members will ask children who are being disruptive to stop the
behavior. Alternative activities may be suggested.

Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library.

Staff members will try to find a child’s parent if the child is disruptive. The parent will be informed that the child is disturbing others and that the behavior must cease or they will have to leave the library.

The family will be asked to leave if parents do not cooperate with a staff members request or are unable to control their children.

If staff members cannot locate a parent or guardian in the building, efforts will be made to contact a parent elsewhere. The parent will be advised of their unattended child’s disruptive behavior and asked to pick up their child immediately.

If a parent cannot be located the library staff may elect to call the police. Under no circumstances shall a staff member take a child out of the building or transport the child to another location.

If a child is unattended shortly before closing time, staff will attempt to contact a parent. If that is not possible, the police will be called. No unattended child will be allowed to remain at the library after closing; two (2) staff members will remain with the unattended child until a parent or the police pick up the child.

Approved by the Kyle Library Board, July 14, 2011. Approved by the Kyle City Council, September 6, 2011