Children’s Code of Conduct

Mt. Angel Public Library welcomes all children and hopes that the services and materials we provide will enrich their experience. We do care about the safety and welfare of children while they are visiting, but are unable to provide childcare for them. The following rules have been adopted by the library to keep your children safe and happy during your visit.

Walk, don’t run
Use inside voices
Treat library materials respectfully
Only service animals are allowed in the library

Caregivers are responsible for attending to their child’s behavior.

Books not checked out should be left stacked neatly on a table.

Puppets, puzzles, and other active toys should be picked up, placed in their containers and returned to their proper spaces so the next child can enjoy them.

Unattended or Lost Children Procedure

In compliance with Oregon Revised Statute 163.545:

Children 0 through 6 years old MUST be accompanied and supervised by a responsible caretaker at all times
Children 7 through 9 years old MUST have a responsible caretaker in the library during their visit
The number of children using the meeting rooms, annex or grounds for group activities must meet the adult/child ratios as set forth in the Facility Use Procedure.
Law Enforcement will be called when children are left on the premises unattended, in violation of the rules as stated above. Law Enforcement Officers may take custody of the child when necessary for the child’s safety and protection.

Oregon Revised Statute 163.545

A person having custody or control of a child under 10 years of age commits the crime of child neglect in the second degree if, with criminal negligence, the person leaves the child unattended in or at any place for such period of time as may be likely to endanger the health or welfare of such child.

Child Left Unattended During Open Hours

If it is determined that a child is lost or left unattended, a staff member should try to identify and locate the parent/caregiver, according to the following procedure:

1. Children left unattended are often frightened and crying and should be reassured by the staff.
2. Walk around the library with the child, looking for the parent/caregiver and informally asking for assistance. Often other people in the area can provide information.
3. When an adult is located, gently remind him/her about the Library policy on unattended children. For example, “Your child was scared. The Library thinks it’s important that an adult stays with a child under age 8.”
4. If the parent/caregiver is not found in the building, a staff member should stay with the child until someone can be located, through searching the computer database, phone book, city directory, etc.
5. If, after making an attempt, the parent/caregiver has not been located, the staff member will call the police (911). Explain to the child that no-one is in trouble but that we want to make sure the child gets home safely.
7. Under no circumstances will a staff member take the child out of the building.

Child Left Unattended at Closing

1. Check through the building and look for the child’s parent/caregiver.

2. If the parent/caregiver is not in the building, two staff members should stay with the child until someone can be located. Normal efforts to locate parents, relatives, neighbors/family friends, etc. should be made, using information from the child. The computer database, phone book, and city directory may be used if necessary.
3. If, after making an attempt, the parent or another responsible adult has not been located, call the police (911). Explain to the child that no-one is in trouble but that we want to make sure the child gets home safely.
4. Under no circumstances will a staff member take the child out of the building.

Child Reported Lost or Missing

If a parent/caregiver reports a child missing, staff will follow this procedure:

1. Obtain name, age and description of the child.
2. Ask staff for their assistance in locating the child. Provide a name and/or description of the child. Watch exits.
3. Check all areas thoroughly, including bathrooms, offices and storerooms.
4. Check outside the Library.
5. Call the police (911) if unable to locate the child.
6. If the child is found, make an announcement that the child has been found.

Timelines and actions may vary with the maturity of the child, the time of year, the weather and staff availability. The goal is to be helpful and to keep library patrons safe.

Children’s Technology Use

Provides notice to parents about guidelines for their children using library computers.

AWE computer is for children age 12 and under.
There is a 60 minute limit
Children may have only one session per day.
AWE computer use is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Only two people at a terminal at one time.