The library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all our patrons. Children of all ages are welcome in the library. However, the responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library and on library property rests with the parent/caregiver and not with library personnel. The Cumberland Public Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended at the library. All patrons must respect the library operating hours.
For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or caregiver should accompany children while they are present at the library. Parents, guardians and caregivers may not leave children alone who cannot manage their behavior, or in the care of other children who are unable or unwilling to provide adequate care. Children aged 9 and under must be accompanied and adequately supervised by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult. Children aged 10 and older may use the library unattended, but are subject to the rules and regulations in effect regarding behavior and conduct.
Children determined by the staff to be disrupting normal library activities will be given one warning and then will be asked to leave if the behavior persists. Children, as expected of all other patrons, must follow the rules concerning behavior and conduct, in order to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for all.
If the library is closing at a regular time or in an emergency situation and a parent or guardian cannot be located in the building, the Cumberland Police Department will be called to take responsibility of the situation. Children must know how to reach an adult in case of an emergency, and both children and adults need to be aware of library hours. The library is not responsible for children outside the building. As in all public places “stranger danger” is a real concern. The library is an open public building and parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for the supervision of the child/children.