The Hunterdon County Library encourages children of all ages to visit the library and hopes they will find it a warm, inviting place to be. Programs and resources are offered to make the library enticing to children, to help children enjoy their visits, and to develop a love of books, reading, and libraries.

The well-being and safety of young children left alone is a serious concern. Children on their own are vulnerable and may become frightened or anxious. If unattended for an extended period of time when no library program is being offered, they can become bored, restless, and disruptive. It is not the library’s intention to seek out unattended children but rather to have a reasoned response prepared if problems present themselves. For that reason, the following policy has been established.

All patrons, regardless of age, sex, racial, or ethnic origin, religion, or economic status are entitled to courteous and efficient service, access to materials, and pleasant surroundings free from harassment, discomfort, and stress.
Library staff, however, cannot assume responsibility for the care or supervision of children using the library’s facilities. Parents or caregivers are responsible for the care and behavior of their children in the library. Understanding that children mature at different rates, the following guidelines have been established to ensure that children are safe and cared for while in the library:

• Children under 9 – A parent or responsible caregiver (age 13 or over) must remain with the child at all times.
• Children 9-12 – These children are welcome to use the library independently as long as a parent or responsible caregiver remains in the library at all times. Parents are responsible for their behavior and will be contacted if problems arise.
• Children 13 and over – These children are old enough to use the library responsibly. If problems arise, they may be asked to leave or parents may be contacted. (See attached Conduct in the Library Policy.)

If problems arise while children are using the library or if they are left alone, the library staff will attempt to reach the parents. If the parents cannot be contacted, the police will be called.