Unattended Children

The library welcomes children of all ages. Our goal is to provide a clean, safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all library users.
To ensure the safety of children in the library, the following rules are in effect:
 
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for ensuring appropriate behavior and safety of their children at all times while in the Library and on Library property. Jumping on or excessively moving furniture and disruptive behavior are not acceptable. Children are required to act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the Library.
 
Children under three (3) years of age such as those attending the Lap Sit or Toddler Time Story times must be attended by an adult at all times and throughout the programs.
 
Children three (3) years old and older may attend staff supervised programs alone on library property while their supervisory adult makes personal use of library facilities and services, but not leave the property.
 
Children, ages 10 and under, should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or caregiver at all times (Arkansas Code Annotated 5-27-203). Young children cannot be left in the Children’s Library while the adult browses other areas of the library.
 
Older children and adolescents who come to the Library without a parent, guardian, or caregiver are welcome for appropriate use of the Library, such as homework or reading.
 
Children must be picked up before the library closes. Children (defined as a minor 17 year old or younger) left after closing time will be allowed to call their parents. If not picked up by closing, the local Police will be called and they will accompany the children to the police station.
Prior to closing, staff will walk through the library to secure it. If any child appears to be without a parent or guardian, staff will talk to the child to ascertain the situation and call the parent if warranted. If a child is left at the library after closing, two staff members will remain with the child. Staff will document the child’s name and other information. The police will be called to pick up the child and staff will remain with the child until the police, parentor family designate arrives. A note, documenting the situation will be placed in the child or parent’s library record.