Unattended Children Policy
The Enoch Pratt Free Library is dedicated to providing a
welcoming environment that encourages children to visit the Library, attend
programs, and use the Library collection and computers. Library staff is available to assist and
support children in using the Library.
Library staff is not responsible for children who are left
unattended at the library premises. According
to Maryland
Family Law Section 5-801, children under the age of 8 must be accompanied
and supervised by a parent/guardian/caregiver who is at least 13 years
old. Library staff cannot provide child
care, supervise unattended children, or assume responsibility for the safety of
children.
Parents/guardians/caregivers are responsible for the safety
and behavior of their children. At all
times, parents/guardians/caregivers are asked to remain in the immediate
vicinity of their children using the library and maintain eye contact.
Like all Library users, children are expected to behave
appropriately and abide by the Library’s Rules of Conduct. Disruptive children who violate the Rules of Conduct may be asked to leave
the Library premises. Library staff
reserves the right to contact the Baltimore City Police Department if an
unattended child under the age of 8 is being disruptive or is in distress.
Truancy
Children and teens ages 6-15 must be in school on school
days from 9 AM to 2:30 PM. If they are
at the library at this time, they must show written proof from school
authorities excusing them from school on that day. Library staff reserves the right to report
instances of truancy to the Baltimore City Public Schools Office of Attendance
and Truancy.
Closing Time
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians/caregivers to
make sure their children have transportation to and from the library. When an unattended child under the age of 8
is left at the library at closing time without transportation, Library staff
will make every effort to contact the parents/guardians/caregivers of the
child. If no one can be found, Library
staff will contact the Baltimore City Police Department.
Please check the scheduled open hours for each Enoch Pratt Free Library location and holiday closings for all locations.
