Parents and guardians are responsible for the supervision and behavior of their children while they are in the Library. For safety reasons, children should not be left unattended. The library staff cannot take responsibility for children who are left unattended. 

If a child under 8 years of age is left unattended or with a guardian who is under 13 years of age, the Sheriff’s Department will be called to locate the parent/guardian. If a child under 16 years old is left unattended when the library closes, the Sheriff’s Department will be called. 

This policy complies with Maryland Law (Article 5-801) which stipulates that children under 8 years of age must not be left unattended and that the guardian responsible for supervision of children must be 13 years or older.

School age children in the library during school hours will be asked why they are not in school. If the circumstances seem suspicious the staff can call the student’s parents or the school. If the child attends a St. Mary’s County public school, the staff can request that the Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) come to the library to talk to the child.

Adopted 6/9/03

Revised 11/05, Revised 9/12