[Publib] Children left at closing policy - Information Request

[Karen Mahnk]

I seem to remember an article or two dealing with the issue of
"assumption of liability"  by a library when the child is either
allowed to be in the library unsupervised & when any staff wait for
any length of time after closing. An assumption of responsibility
occurs when the library takes such intended action
as relying on staff to stay.  -

Karen
-- 
Karen Mahnk,
Reference Librarian
Lake Park Public Library
529 Park Avenue
Lake Park, Fl., 33403
561 881-3330 Fax: 561881-3336
kmahnk at lakeparkflorida.gov
www.lakepark-fl.gov


On 12/21/06, Sue Kamm <suekamm at mindspring.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Susan L. Kosenka"
> Sent: Dec 21, 2006 12:43 PM
> To: publib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Publib] Children left at closing policy - Information Request
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I need the help of the collective brain; I am part of a group that is
> looking into changing the library???s Children Left at Closing Policy.  I
> want to know if libraries have a policy, guidelines, or procedures that
> allow employees to leave children /teens at the front door waiting for their
> rides after the employees leave the building.
>
>
> We have an "unattended children" policy.  If a child isn't picked up by
> closing time, the librarian-in-charge and the security officer wait for 15
> minutes after we close.  If no one picks up the child by that time, we take
> the child to the police department (it's about a block away).
>
>
>
>
> Also, if any library system recently changed their policy to allow minors to
> be left alone on library property, how did the community react?
>
> How do you define children in your policy?
>
>
>
> At this time the library requires two staff members to stay with anyone
> under the age of 18 for up to 30 minutes after closing.  After that time, if
> the ride has not come, the police are called. However, many times the police
> do not come immediately or they tell the 15-17 year olds to start walking.
>
> I think you need to have a chat with your police department and your
> attorney.  Would the library be liable if a child starts walking home and is
> injured, raped, kidnapped, and/or murdered?
>
>
>
>
> Responses can either be directed to the list or to my email
> skosenka at gwinnettpl.org  I will summarize all responses.
>
>
>
>
>
> Susan L. Kosenka
>
> Assistant Branch Manager
>
> Five Forks Branch
>
> Gwinnett County Public Library
>
> 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road
>
> Lawrenceville, GA 30044
>
> 770.978.5602
>
> skosenka at gwinnettpl.org
>
>
>
Your friendly CyberGoddess and Councilor-at-large,
Sue Kamm
Inglewood/Los
> Angeles, CA
Truest of the Blue, Los Angeles Dodgers Think Blue Week
> 2000
Visit my blog: http://suekamm.blogspot.com
email: suekamm [at]
> mindspring.com
When you absolutely, positively HAVE to know, ASK A
> LIBRARIAN!
>
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