Unattended Children Policy

The Free Public Library of the Borough of Pompton Lakes, Emanuel Einstein Memorial is concerned for the safety and well-being of children left unattended in the library.

We urge parents to remember that the library is a public building and it is not in any child’s best interest to be left here unattended.  The library has implemented the following policy for the safety of all children visiting the library:

Children under the age of ten (10) years must be accompanied by an adult caregiver or other responsible caregiver (age 13 or older) at all times while on library property.

Children ten (10) years of age and over may be in the library without an adult; however, should disciplinary problems arise, the library may ask the child to leave.  In that event, the library assumes no further responsibility for the child.

If problems arise while children are using the library or if they are left alone, the library staff will attempt to contact the parents.  If the library staff is unable to reach the parents, the police will be called.

Parents are required to be at the library no later than fifteen minutes before closing to pick up children.  There will be a one-time warning to parents/caregivers who fail to arrive promptly.  Should this happen again, children will be released to the Pompton Lakes Police.

Under no circumstances will the library assume custodial responsibility for any child.

An unattended child is any child under the age of ten (10) who is in the library unaccompanied by a parent or responsible caregiver (age 13 or older).

Parents, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children using the library and may be held liable for any damage their children may cause.