Unattended Child Policy

Schaumburg Township District Library welcomes children's use of its facilities and services. Library staff members are committed to the well-being and safety of children and are happy to assist them in using the Library. We encourage parents and guardians to consider the safety and well-being of their children and the needs of other Library users of all ages. As a public facility, the Library takes reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of patrons while they are in the Library, but cannot guarantee the safety of unattended and unsupervised children.

Whether or not they are present, parents and guardians are ultimately responsible for their children's behavior in the Library until they reach the age of 18. Library facilities are not licensed or designed to provide basic childcare needs, such as adult supervision, nutrition, or emergency care.

Supervision Guidelines for Children:

Age Group Supervision Requirement
7 and under

Must be within sight of a parent, guardian, or caregiver aged 14 or older at all times.

During programs, parents/guardians/caregivers who do not attend with their child must remain in the Youth Services Department.
Ages 8–10 Must have a parent, guardian, or caregiver aged 14 or older in the Library.
Ages 11 and older May use the Library’s facilities and resources independently, provided they follow the Library’s Code of Conduct.

If these guidelines are not followed, staff members will attempt to locate the child's parent, guardian, or caregiver if the child is under 11 years of age. If the parent, guardian, or caregiver is not in the building or cannot be contacted, the police will be called to assist.

When visiting the Library without an adult, children aged 11 and older should have definite arrangements to be picked up at closing time or in an emergency. Staff will first call a parent or guardian if a minor child is left unattended at closing. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached or does not arrive within 15 minutes of the Library’s closing, the police will be called to assist Library staff. Two Library staff members will stay with the child inside the Library until the parent, guardian, or the police arrive.

Approved by Schaumburg Township District Library Board of Trustees on November 17, 2025