The Barberton Public Library encourages children and vulnerable adults to use its facilities and services and strives to provide a warm and welcoming environment for customers of all ages. 

While the Library is concerned for the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults, their safety and supervision while using the Library is the responsibility of their parent, guardian, or caregiver. The Library will not act in place of parents, guardians, or caregivers, and Library employees are not responsible for the safety, supervision, or discipline of children or vulnerable adults who are left unattended.  

For the purposes of this policy, an unattended child is any individual seventeen years of age or younger who is not accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver. A vulnerable adult is an individual eighteen years of age or older who is unable to reasonably care for themselves without the assistance of a caregiver. 

The Library will adhere to the following guidelines regarding the safety and supervision of children and vulnerable adults:

• Children eight years of age and younger and vulnerable adults who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver while at the Library.
• Children ages nine through seventeen and vulnerable adults who can understand and follow the Library’s Patron Behavior Guidelines may use the Library unaccompanied, subject to Library policies and rules concerning behavior and conduct. Unattended children or vulnerable adults should have contact information for a parent, guardian, or caregiver who can assist them in the event of an emergency.
• Children seventeen years of age and younger are not permitted to be at the Library during regular school hours unless they are approved by their school for early dismissal, have written permission excusing them from school attendance, or are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver.  

Library employees may attempt to contact a parent, guardian, or caregiver in the following circumstances: 

• The health or safety of an unattended child or vulnerable adult is in doubt.
• An unattended child or vulnerable adult becomes frightened while alone at the Library.
• An unattended child or vulnerable adult’s behavior is disruptive to other Library customers or prohibits employees from conducting Library business.
• An unattended minor or vulnerable adult does not have transportation from the Library at closing time.

If Library employees are unable to reach a parent, guardian, or caregiver, the Barberton Police Department may be contacted to report the presence of an unattended minor or vulnerable adult. In this circumstance, police officers may transport the child or vulnerable adult to the Barberton Police Station until a parent, guardian, or caregiver can be located.

Library employees are not permitted to transport children or vulnerable adults away from Library facilities for any reason. 

All Library policies have been designed to maximize available resources and ensure accessibility.  They are always subject to review and revision by the Board of Trustees as necessary. 

Adopted by the Board of Trustee July 27, 2006. Revised September 23, 2010; June 22, 2023.