Children's Library Use Policy
The Library Department of the Town of Lisbon welcomes and encourages children of all ages to visit the library facilities. We provide special programs throughout the year to educate, enrich, and entertain children of the Lisbon area.
Children are always encouraged to use the library wisely to read, to do homework or research, to listen to audio devices, or to play with provided materials.
The library cannot, however, serve as a day care facility. Library staff cannot take responsibility for elementary age school children left at the library without supervision from a parent/guardian or caretaker.
Appropriate steps will be taken as necessary by the Library Department to protect the rights and best interests of both its patrons and the library. The Library Department will therefore abide by the following policy:
Unattended Children:
- Children age 11 and under will never be left unattended anywhere in the library.
- If such a situation arises, the Library Department staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian.
- Closing Time: Fifteen minutes before closing time or due to emergency closing of the library, the staff will attempt to reach a parent or guardian to inform him/her of the closing and will allow him/her 15 minutes to pick up the child. If the child has not been picked up at closing time, staff will request that the Lisbon Police pick up the unattended child or children.
Expected Library Behavior
While in the library, children are expected to:
- Speak in quiet voices
- Listen to the librarians
- Share toys
- Treat everyone with respect
- Walk in all areas of the library, including the ramp
- Stay in the play area when playing with the toys provided
- Pick up toys and replace them in storage area when finished playing
Disruptive Behavior
Children of any age who are disruptive or engage in behavior inappropriate to a library will be asked to leave. The Library Department staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian. Parents will be asked to remove a child acting in a disruptive or inappropriate manner.
Disruptive / Inappropriate Behavior includes but is not limited to the following:
- Running anywhere in the library
- Running up and down the ramp is a consistent problem
- Running with the shopping cart another problem
- Yelling, screeching, screaming, making loud noises
- Pushing, shoving, kicking, biting, throwing toys, books or anything
- Leaving toys on the floor, making a tripping hazard
- Climbing on and standing on chairs or window ledges
- Jumping off chairs or furniture
Events:
- Staff at programming and events for children age eight and under cannot provide supervision and a safe environment without the participation of parents/guardians.
- Parents/guardians of participating children must be present for the duration of the program or event.
- If any event participant is disruptive and interferes with the program, the parent or guardian will be asked to remove the child.
Event participants are expected to:
- Sit quietly in the designated area
- Pay attention to the program
- Respond to directions or request from the presenter or the librarians