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Children and Teens in the Library - Staff Procedure

Adults in Teen and Children’s Areas

Children’s areas are designed and reserved for the use of those under 18 and their caregivers. Teen areas may only be used by customers 12 - 17 years old or those still in high school. Anyone 18 and over may only visit these spaces to use the collection, seek assistance from library staff, or attend a program with staff’s approval.

If an adult is alone in the children's or teen area, and is not actively searching for an item from the collection, ask them to leave and explain the policy. If the adult returns to the space you may ask them to leave the library for the day. Repeated offenses will warrant longer suspensions.

Adults on the Children’s Computers

Computers in the children’s area are reserved for minors. Even if the parent is with a child, they may not use the computers in that area. If an adult is with a child, ask them to discontinue use. They may stay with their child. If the adult is without a child, ask them to stop using the computer and leave the children’s area.

Behavior in the Library

Children and teens must follow the Behavior in the Library Policy. Here are some helpful scripts for approaching children or teens who are using facilities for non-library activities or acting in a way that disturbs other customers.

Suggested Scripts:

  • “Hi there. Please be sure to walk and not run in the library. I don’t want you or anyone else to get hurt.”
  • For lots of garbage in the Teen Room or Children’s Area that no one wants to admit belongs to them:

    “Hello! I’m not sure where all this garbage came from, but if you want this area to remain open, we’ll need everyone to help clean it up. If you see someone make a mess, please remind them to clean it up so that you don’t have to do it for them later.”
  • For a group causing behavior issues, try to figure out who the group leader is and have them step away from the group to talk to you. Try to get their name and give them the responsibility of making sure the group behaves. It’s always best to frame good behavior as a choice.:

    “Hi there. I wanted to talk with you about the swearing that’s been going on today. We’ve had to ask many times for it to stop but it’s still happening. If you want to remain in the library, I’m going to need you to make sure that everyone in your group stops swearing.”

Children’s Library Cards

If the library cardholder is under the age of 18, only the parent or guardian listed in the library record may be given limited information about that child’s record. Proof of the parent or guardian’s identity is required through photo identification. Two parent's/guardian's names will be allowed. You may only disclose the number of books checked out, due dates, and fines owed. If additional information is requested, direct parents to use the online account regardless if parent is with or without the child or the child's card.

Teen Library Cards

Teens may apply for their own library card, without a parent or guardian's signature. Teens must show their ID if applying for the card on their own. For class visits, teachers may request applications in advance and will verify the student’s identities. Teens may borrow 1 physical SJPL item on their teen card and will have access to library’s eResources. Parents and guardians may not request any information from these cards.

Unattended Children

Young children may not be left unattended anywhere in the library, including areas designated for children. Follow these procedures in situations such as:

  • An unattended child is found frightened or crying in the library
  • An unattended child is perceived to be endangering themselves or others
  • Another person in the library poses a perceived threat to an unattended child

Caregivers must pick children up at least 5 minutes before the library’s posted closing time.

  1. Ask the child what their name is. Ask if they know their parent or guardians name.
  2. If only the child’s name is known you may attempt to find the parent’s information through the ILS.
  3. If possible, have the child come with you to the intercom system. If they are frightened or unable to follow instructions, have one staff member stay with the child.
  4. Make an announcement over the intercom.
    • [Parent/Guardian’s name] please come to the information desk immediately.
    • If parent’s name is not known: Attention customers, please come to the information desk immediately if you have a child wearing [describe child’s clothing].
  5. If caregiver arrives to collect the child, make certain that the child responds positively to them. Ask the caregiver for the child’s name.
  6. Explain that the library is a public space and staff are unable to monitor unattended children. Direct caregiver to the policy online.
  7. If no caregiver is available, search for their contact information. This can be retrieved from the child or the ILS. Call the caregivers and ask how long it will take for them to return to the library.
    • When caregivers retrieve their child, explain that the library is a public space and staff are unable to monitor unattended children. Direct caregiver to the policy online.
  8. If a caregiver cannot be reached, call the San Jose Police Department (408) 277-8900.
  9. Two staff (one benefitted) must stay with a child until they are retrieved by caregiver or the police.
    • If child is left after hours, staff will need to get manager’s approval for their overtime.

Using the Internet and Borrowing Materials

Intellectual Freedom is the protection of the rights to read, to listen, to write, and to speak beliefs and opinions. Children also have these rights. Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding what library resources (books, internet, media) are appropriate for their own children. They are responsible for guiding their own children’s usage of library resources in accordance with individual family beliefs.

You may not ask a child to stop browsing a website on the internet unless it is illegal for them to view (e.g. pornography, alcohol, tobacco, or firearms). If a customer complains about the material a child is viewing then you must address it in the same manner as a complaint against an adult customer. Investigate if the material is inappropriate and if it is, ask the child to stop. If they are unwilling to comply, remove their computer privileges for the day.

If a child asks to view materials in the library, show them the item. You may not tell a child the information is unavailable to them.

Revised March 2019