The Kinderhook Memorial Library welcomes people of all ages to use its facilities, services and resources. In an effort to provide a Library environment that allows all patrons to utilize Library materials and information sources in a safe, relaxed manner, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted a policy statement concerning unattended or disruptive children.

Children and their safety are of great concern to the Kinderhook Memorial Library. We encourage families and youth to use the library and, while doing so, also affirm parents’ responsibility for their children’s safety. The library cannot be responsible for any consequences of caregivers forfeiting their responsibilities.

Children, like all library patrons, are expected to behave appropriately. Parents and caregivers, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children in the library. Children and young people who are disruptive in the Library or on Library grounds interfere with Library service to all patrons.

Parents and caregivers must be advised that libraries are public places. In libraries, as in all public places, “stranger danger” is a real concern. Library staff cannot prevent children from interacting with or leaving the library with persons who are not appropriate caregivers.

Parents may not leave children under the age of ten years unattended in the Library. If a child is left unattended in the Library, the staff will attempt to locate his/her parents. Staff members are not permitted to remain after hours with an unattended child nor to give him/her a ride home. For the safety of the child, the staff will not leave a child under the age of ten outside to wait for a ride. If a parent cannot be reached by the time the Library is to close, the state police will be called to escort the child home or keep the child until parents can be reached.