Home > About Us > Policies > Unattended Children Policy
Unattended Children and Vulnerable Patrons Policy
The Elk Grove Village Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for people of all ages. In order to accomplish this, the Library relies on parents and caregivers to monitor and supervise their dependent’s activities and whereabouts.
As a public facility, the library prioritizes the safety of children and vulnerable adults on its premises and takes reasonable measures to promote their well-being while they are using the library. However, the library does not assume the role of a parent or guardian.
Parents, legal guardians, teachers, custodians, or caregivers are responsible for monitoring the activities and managing the behavior of children—regardless of age—and vulnerable adults during their visits to the library.
The Library Board has established the following measures to help ensure the safety and well-being of all patrons:
Children Under the Age of Eight (8)
Children under the age of eight (8) must be supervised by a parent or other responsible caregiver 13 years or older at all times while in library facilities. Supervised means that the parent or caregiver is within sight of their children and monitoring their behavior. These rules may apply to children over the age of eight (8) at staff's discretion. For programs that are listed for children only, we ask that parents of children under eight (8) stay nearby in case of early departure or if assistance is needed.
Children Ages Eight (8) and Up
Children ages eight (8) and up are welcome to use the Library independently as long as they can demonstrate the ability to do the following:
- Understand and adhere to the library's Code of Conduct
- Care for themselves without assistance
- Provide library staff with their full name and parent or caregiver's phone number on request
- Refrain from unreasonably disrupting other library users or staff members
Responsibility for minors using the library rests with the parent/guardian, even when not present. Parents are advised that children who demonstrate an inability to adhere to the criteria above may be contacted to supervise or pick up the child.
Vulnerable Adults
A vulnerable adult is functionally, mentally, or physically unable to care for themselves and should not be left alone in the library including at programs. This includes adults who need staff help beyond assistance with normal library services.
Unattended Children and Vulnerable Patrons
If at any time a child under the age of eight (8) or a patron of any age who requires supervision because of developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability is found unsupervised, the following will occur:
- Staff will try to locate the dependent's parent, guardian, or caregiver in the library.
- If it is determined that the dependent is in the library without a caregiver, a staff member will try to contact the parent, guardian, or caregiver and request that they, depending on the circumstances, supervise or pick up their dependent.
- If a parent, guardian, or other authorized caregiver cannot be reached within 20 minutes, the Elk Grove Village Police Department will be contacted and the dependent will be turned over to ensure their safety and well-being.
- In the case of immediate concern, staff will contact 911 and then attempt to contact the caregiver.
Staff will stay with the person until help or parent/guardian/caregiver arrives.
Unattended Children and Vulnerable Patrons at Closing
If staff are concerned for a child's or vulnerable person's well-being near closing time, the Person in Charge and one other staff member will attempt to contact a parent, guardian, or authorized caregiver at least twice during the final 10 minutes. If no one arrives within 15 minutes after closing, the Elk Grove Village Police Department will be contacted for the patron’s safety. At least two staff members must remain with the patron until authorities arrive. In no instance will staff take anyone home.
Revised October 7, 2025