The Henderson County Public Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for customers of all ages, especially children. The Library is not responsible for unattended children.
The Library has adopted the following Safe Child Policy:
Children ages 11 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver (over the age of 14) at all times. If a child is participating in a Library program, the parent or caregiver must remain in the building and be available to supervise the child if necessary.
Children ages 11-13 may be unaccompanied for less than 2 hours as long as they abide by the Library Behavior Policy.
Children at least 14 years of age may be unaccompanied as long as they abide by the Library Behavior Policy.
Library staff will attempt to contact the caregiver of any child left unattended for longer than stated above. Law enforcement may be asked to assist the Library to remove unattended children whose caregivers cannot be found.
The Library may, after an attempt to contact a parent or caregiver, report to law enforcement any instance where an unattended child is disruptive and does not respond to correction of Library staff.
When a child under the age of 17 is unattended at the time the Library closes, Library staff will attempt to contact the child’s parent or caregiver. If the staff is unable to make contact, law enforcement will be called to take custody of the child. Staff will remain with the child until law enforcement takes custody.
Library privileges may be revoked for the child and the caregiver when a child is repeatedly left unattended during Library hours or at closing time.
Incident reports will be written for any disruptive behavior by a child, or for any unattended child situation that results in law enforcement being contacted.
If Library staff suspects neglect as defined in KRS 600.020, the director will be notified and may contact local law enforcement or Child Protective Services. The Library is required by law to comply with Kentucky Statute 620.030 regarding reporting dependency neglect or abuse as set forth in that statute.