Unattended Children Policy
The Washoe County Library System welcomes youth of all ages in accordance with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
Neither Washoe County nor the library staff have custodial responsibility for unattended children. Library staff cannot assume liability for children left unattended. To ensure children’s safety, children under ten (10) years of age must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity and in visual contact with the child. A caregiver must be at least thirteen (13) years of age and able to attend to the child’s safety and ensure appropriate behavior.
If a child under ten (10) is found unattended in the library, staff will attempt to find the child’s parent/guardian. If the staff cannot locate a parent/guardian, law enforcement officials may be notified.
If any minor is left at the library at closing time, the library staff will attempt to reach the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, law enforcement officials will be notified.
APPROVED: June 15, 2005
REVISED: May 22, 2014
REVISED: February 19, 2025