Minor Patron Policy

The Pigeon District Library encourages visits by minors to the library, and it is our desire to make these visits both memorable and enjoyable.  Parents/guardians are responsible for their children and their children's behavior in the library whether or not the parents/ guardians accompany their children to the library.  For purposes of this policy, "other responsible person" is a person who is thirteen years of age or older.

Recognizing that the library's purpose is best served in a safe and non-disruptive atmosphere, the following procedures will be enforced:

Procedures for Minors Under the Age of 8:
Minors under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or other responsible person in the library at all times. 
1.        If a parent/guardian or other responsible person is not found in the library, the library staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian. 
2.        If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, and a parent/guardian or other responsible person does not arrive within 15 minutes, the police department will be called.
3.        If this occurs at closing time, the minor will be asked to wait in the library and two library staff members will remain within the building until the police personnel arrive.

Procedures for Minors Ages 8 and Over:
1.        If a parent/guardian or other responsible person is needed for minors who are age 8-17, the library staff will determine if the parent/guardian or other responsible person is in the library. 
2.        If the parent/guardian or other responsible person is not found in the library, the library staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian. 
3.        If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, and a parent/guardian or other responsible person does not arrive within 15 minutes, the police department will be called. 
4.        If the parent/guardian or other responsible person is not present at closing time and the parent/guardian can/cannot be contacted, the minor will be asked to wait inside the library.  Two library staff members will remain within the building for 15 minutes.   If, at the end of 15 minutes, the parent/guardian has not arrived to pick up the minor, the police department will be called and the two staff members will remain within the building until the police personnel arrive.

Procedures for Disruptive Minors (under the age of 17):
1.        Minors who are being disruptive will be asked by library staff to correct their behavior.
2.        If the disruptive behavior continues, a library staff member will attempt to locate a parent/ guardian or other responsible person within the library and inform that person that the minor is engaging in disruptive behavior and is disturbing others.
3.        If a parent/guardian or other responsible person has been located within the library but refuses or is unable to control the minor, the family will be asked to leave the library.
4.        If a parent/guardian or other responsible person cannot be located within the library and the disruptive behavior continues, the minor may be asked to leave or procedures for minor patrons ages 8 and over will be followed.

Under no circumstances may a Pigeon District Library employee transport a minor in his/her vehicle or otherwise transport a minor from the library premises.