BERKSHIRE ATHENAEUM
CHILDREN'S LIBRARY GUIDELINES
(A SUPPLEMENT TO BEHAVIOR POLICY & PROCEDURES)



A. INTRODUCTION / OVERVIEW

The staff of the Children’s Library at the Berkshire Athenaeum strives to create a warm, inviting, fun environment for children. The library offers many programs and services that encourage children to develop a love of books, reading and learning. However, the safety and well-being of children at the library is of serious concern. It is the intention of this policy to enlist the cooperation of parents and other adults responsible for children to ensure that the Berkshire Athenaeum provides a safe and pleasant experience for all who use it.


B. TERMINOLOGY DEFINED

• ABUSE: Physical act intended to hurt a child, including repetitive slapping, excessive spanking, and arm twisting.
  

• DISRUPTIVE CHILD: A child who is noisy, boisterous or acting out behavior which is inappropriate in the library setting. This includes behavior that presents physical danger to the child or others, or interferes with the legitimate library business of other patrons or staff.
  

• UNATTENDED CHILD: A young person, age nine and under, using public library resources and facilities unaccompanied by a responsible adult.
  

• VULNERABLE CHILD: A child under age seven who is not supervised by a parent or care giver. An unattended child or adolescent whose safety or well-being would be endangered if she/he were sent out of the building. Examples of vulnerability include: a child being too young to be on her/his own; a child being sent into an unsafe area; or a child being left alone in the dark outside the library after business hours.
  

• The Children's Library serves children of all ages through grade five, parents, teachers, some adults with developmental disabilities (with prior approval of the Supervisor, Children's and Youth Services), and students who need children's materials. Other patrons should use the General Library collection and facilities.