The South Kingstown Library is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment that encourages all children to visit the Library, attend programs and use Library resources. Library staff is available to assist and support children and their caretakers in using the Library. Should you have questions or concerns regarding this policy, please see a Library staff member.

-Parents/caretakers are responsible for their children's safety and behavior at all times within the Library and on Library property. Library staff cannot take over parental responsibilities.

-Children ages 8 and younger must be accompanied and adequately supervised by a parent or responsible caretaker while at the Library. When indicated, children ages 8 and younger may attend a Library program independently if the parent/caretaker remains in the building. If children under age 9 are found unsupervised in the Library, Library staff will make every attempt to contact the child's parent/guardian.

-Children ages 9 and up may use the Library independently. Unattended children ages 9 and up must know how to reach a trusted adult, be able to maintain library behavior and feel comfortable in using the Library independently. Both the child and their parent/guardian should be aware of Library hours.

-If children under the age of 16 are left unattended at closing time, two staff members will wait up to 15 minutes with the child until a parent/guardian arrives. If the parent/guardian has not arrived by that time, the South Kingstown Police Department will be notified and take charge of the situation. Under no circumstances will the Library staff transport or take the child away from the building. Unattended children may use Library phones to contact their guardian and arrange transportation.

-Young Library users should follow the Youth Behavioral Guidelines:

*Respect other Library users and staff.
*Use Library materials in an appropriate manner; be courteous of the Library space.
*Unsafe or disruptive behaviors as running, throwing objects, inappropriate touching, screaming, offensive language/behavior are unacceptable.

*Additional guidelines are outlined in the South Kingstown Public Library's Rules of Conduct for Library Users. Remember to be safe by alerting Library staff or a trusted adult if there are any problems, questions, or concerns.

-If a child is displaying unacceptable behavior and the child's parent or guardian is in the Library, the staff will explain the situation to the adult and give them a copy of the Youth Library Use Policy. If the disruptive behavior persists and the parent/guardian does not try to stop the behavior, the staff may ask the adult and child to leave the Library. 

-If an unattended child is behaving unacceptably, Library staff will explain appropriate Library behavior. Staff will use discretion upon asking the unattended child to leave or contacting the children's parent/guardian if inappropriate behavior persists.