Safe Child Policy

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library welcomes all individuals to enjoy its programs and services. Our branch libraries are public spaces and are sometimes housed in multi-purpose facilities. Staff are unable to monitor the behaviour or whereabouts of all individuals at all times within library buildings, and will not assume parental or caregiver responsibilities. Please note that parents are accountable for their children’s behaviour and safety while in the library, whether or not the parents are present.

For general use of the library

It is the policy of the Annapolis Valley Regional Library that children seven years of age or younger be accompanied by a parent or caregiver when using the library facilities. It is expected that a child of any age requiring supervision will be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

For attendance at supervised library programs

Preschool programs – Any library program targeted at the preschool age group requires that a parent or caregiver be present and responsible for the child.

Programs for school age children – For children seven years of age or younger, it is advisable that a parent or caregiver remain on the premises, in case of emergency. Certain programs may require the accompaniment of a parent or caregiver and will be identified as such in the program advertising.

Children of any age who are in chronic violation of library rules, or who display disruptive or inappropriate behaviour that affects other library users, staff, library materials or equipment, may be required to be accompanied by a parent or caregiver for a period of time to be determined by senior staff.

Unattended children in the library

For unattended children, as defined below, staff will take the following action:

Staff will attempt to contact a parent. If a parent cannot be reached in a reasonable amount of time, staff is authorized to call the police. A staff person will stay in the building with the child until a parent or police arrive.

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library will consider the following children “unattended”:

• A child seven years of age or younger who is left alone in the library
• Any child who is alone and frightened or crying in the library
• Any child who is alone and doing something dangerous, or who is seen to be in danger from another person in the library
• Any child who is alone, and is not following library rules after reasonable warnings
• Any child who is left alone at the library at closing time