Safe Child Policy

The Weymouth Public Libraries seeks to create a welcoming environment for people of all ages. This policy has been established for the protection and well-being of children using Tufts Library and branch library buildings. While Weymouth Public Libraries staff strive to create a safe and comfortable place for children, the libraries are public buildings open to all. Weymouth Public Libraries staff are not responsible for supervising children and cannot know if children are leaving a building with parents or with strangers or alone. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for monitoring their children’s safety, activities, and behavior while visiting any of the libraries. 

Children between the ages of 0-7 must be directly supervised by a responsible person, aged 13 and up, who is either a parent or person designated by the parent. The child must remain in the same room within view of the designated caregiver at all times within the building. 

Children between the ages of 8-10 must have indirect supervision by a responsible person, aged 13 and up, who is either a parent or person designated by the parent. The designated caregiver must remain in the building. 

Children aged 11 and up may be in the building unattended. They must be able to understand and adhere to all Weymouth Public Libraries policies, including the Appropriate Library Use Policy. Parents and guardians of a child left alone in any of the libraries must be aware that Weymouth Public Libraries staff cannot provide supervision. The unattended child must be able to provide contact information for their parent or guardian if asked by a staff member. 

Approved by the Weymouth Public Libraries Board of Trustees on February 19, 2019