The Yutan Public Library welcomes families and children of all ages.  However, the parent and/or guardian is responsible for his/her children at all times.  Staff do not provide short or long term child care and cannot be responsible for unattended children.

Unattended children are children of any age who are unaccompanied by a parent, guardian and/or responsible caregiver.  Individuals who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the library and must have adequate supervision.  The Yutan public library assumes no responsibility for injuries to or harm caused by unattended children of any age on library premises.

Children under eight (8) years of age must be accompanied by, and remain in sight of, an adult parent, guardian or designated babysitter of at least 16 years of age.  Children age eight (8) and older may use the library on their own.  However, parents and/or guardians are still responsible for the actions and the wellbeing of their children.

Juveniles not able to safely leave the library without adult supervision should not be in the library alone.  This is a particular concern in inclement weather and after dark.  All children using the library without their parent or guardian present should be able to independently communicate the telephone number and name of someone who can assist them in an emergency.  If a child cannot communicate this information independently, he or she should not be using the library without adult supervision.  Teenagers are treated as adult users.  However, they are still legally the responsibility of their own parents/guardians, and should have an emergency contact available.

If an unattended minor is being disruptive and interring with the use of the library by others, is habitually left unattended for long periods of time, or is deemed by the library staff to be at risk of coming to harm (as in the case of a child unable to care for him or herself or a child being left unattended when the library is ready to close), an effort will be made to contact the responsible parent/guardian via text, telephone and/or email.  If the parent/guardian has not come to the library to pick up the child within one half hour (30 minutes) of staff’s request to do so, the Sherriff’s Office will be called to take the child until the parent or guardian can be reached.