Children are always welcome at the Butler Public Library
We are glad children come to the Butler Public Library to experience the wonders of books and to attend the free Library Programs we offer, but parents, guardians and/or caregivers must work with the Library staff to provide a pleasant and safe environment for all patrons while your child is at the Library.
Our staff cannot assume the responsibility of a child’s care, therefore children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by their parents when they come to the Library.
The behavior and welfare of children are the responsibility of the parents, guardians or caregivers accompanying the child/children to the Library, not the staff.
No children under 10 are permitted to use any of the adult computers without an adult in attendance.
There are two child computers for children to use.
The safety of children left alone in the Library is a serious concern for our Library Staff and is impossible for the Library Staff to guarantee the safety of an unattended child. The Library is a public building and it is not safe for young children to be left alone.
Library staff is happy to help children use the Library for the following purposes:
Finding materials for school work and recreational reading.
Providing an environment that encourages study and intellectual curiosity.
Providing programs that inform and enrich.
The Butler Public Library Board has established the following policies in order to maintain an environment of safety and to maintain an atmosphere where reading and study can be encouraged:
Unattended Children Policy Statement: Children 10 years of age and younger may not be left unattended in the Library. Children 10 years of age and younger shall at all times be attended and supervised by a responsible adult (parent, guardian, other caregiver, age 18 years or older).
Older children and adolescents who come to the Library without a parent, guardian or caregiver are welcome for appropriate use of the Library, such as homework or reading.
Children must have the telephone number of their parent, guardian or other designated adult so that a responsible adult may be contacted, if necessary, to come and pick up the child. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may serve as the grounds for removal of the child from Library property.
Disruptive behavior that is unacceptable in the Library includes, but is not limited to:
Running, chasing.
Shouting, loud conversation, arguments, foul language
Throwing books, magazines or toys
Bullying or bothering patrons
Consuming food
Vandalizing Library property or facilities
Unruly behavior
If necessary the Library reserves the right to summon the police: Unattended Children at Closing Time Policy statement:
Parents must pick up their children no later than 10 minutes before closing time.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers should be aware of the Library’s hours and are expected to make advanced arrangements to pick up their children prior to closing.
