Vulnerable Adults* Policy

Schaumburg Township District Library strives to provide a warm, welcoming and safe environment for all community members. The Library is concerned for the safety of vulnerable adults in and around the Library. While the Library takes reasonable steps and precautions to ensure the safety of all patrons, the Library cannot guarantee the safety of vulnerable adults who are left unattended. Library facilities are not licensed nor designed to provide basic care needs such as nutrition, medical care, or emergency response assistance. A parent, guardian or caregiver aged 18 years or older must monitor the activities and manage the behavior of vulnerable adults during their Library visits.

The Library will adhere to the following guidelines concerning the care and behavior of vulnerable adults:

  • Vulnerable adults who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves, or who cannot comply with the Library Code of Conduct must be attended and have adequate supervision at all times.

  • Vulnerable adults who can understand and follow the Code of Conduct and who can care for themselves are welcome to be in the Library unattended. These patrons should have contact information for someone who can assist them in an emergency.

  • Library staff will attempt to contact a parent, legal guardian or caregiver when an individual’s:

    • health or safety is in doubt;

    • behavior violates the Code of Conduct, resulting in staff asking the individual to leave the Library;

    • parent, guardian or caregiver is not present at closing time. If a parent, guardian or caregiver cannot be reached, Library staff will contact police to assume responsibility. Two Library staff members will stay with the vulnerable adult inside the Library until the parent, guardian, caregiver or police arrive.

  • Parents, guardians or caregivers who violate the Code of Conduct are subject to restriction or termination of Library privileges and possible exclusion from the Library.

*A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or older whose ability to perform daily living activities, make independent decisions, or provide adequate self-care without assistance or supervision is limited due to age, a health condition, or a physical or mental impairment.

Approved by the Schaumburg Township District Library Board of Trustees, March 16, 2026.