The Library welcomes and encourages all children to use and enjoy its facilities, programs, and services. However, Library staff members do not serve in loco parentis for children in the Library, and parents should not view the Library as an alternative to childcare.

Accordingly, all children under 8 years of age must be accompanied and directly supervised by a parent or responsible caregiver who assumes full accountability for the child’s safety and behavior while in the Library. “Directly supervised” means the child and caregiver must be able to observe one another at all times, except when a child is participating in a Library program. However, the caregiver is expected to remain in the building and rejoin the child immediately following the program.

If a child under 8 years of age appears to be unattended or unsupervised, Library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver, advise them of this policy, and have them return to their child. If a child is left unattended or unsupervised on multiple occasions, the Library staff may contact the State Police or Vermont Department of Children & Families.

Children 8 years of age and older are welcome to use the Library unattended as long as their behavior is in accordance with the posted Guidelines for Library Behavior. As with adults, children who fail to behave appropriately may be asked to leave the Library. Even in their absence, parents are responsible for the actions and safety of their minor children.