Patron Responsibilities and Conduct

It is a patron's responsibility to maintain necessary and proper standards of behavior in order to protect his/her individual rights and the rights and privileges of other patrons. If a patron creates a public nuisance, that patron will be asked to leave and be restricted from the use of the library facilities. In the event the person creates a disturbance, the police will be called.

Young children:

The Barrett Memorial Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make this important visit both memorable and enjoyable for the child. Library staff is not expected to assume responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library. Therefore, it is library policy that at all times, children age 8 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or a designated responsible person who is at least 12 years old. Also, if the young child is attending a library program, we require the parent or responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program.

Children age 9 years and older may use the library unattended providing that proper behavior is maintained.However, children who come to the library unattended on a regular basis (two or more days weekly) may only stay two hours unattended each day.

Disruptive children:

Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, computer use, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at busy times and that children by nature can cause more commotion. However, a child (whether with parents or not) who is being continually disruptive will be given a warning that he / she must settle down or he / she will be asked to leave the library. If after a second warning a child continues to be disruptive, he / she will be asked to leave the library.

If the child needs to contact a parent, they may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.

Library Closings

Regular Hour Closings:

Parents are responsible for picking up their children at the time that the library is closing. Children who do not have a ride may not remain on library property. Library staff has been told to call the police in the winter if the child is under the age of 13 and alone.

Emergency Closings:

The library may close for a variety of emergencies, including weather. The library staff is not responsible for children who do not have rides home from the library when closing. Library staff has been told to call the police if the child is under the age of 13 and alone. They will also call the police if the child is over the age of 13 and the weather is too severe and / or the walk is too far.