The Library staff and Trustees have made Cary Library a warm and inviting place for children to develop a love of books, reading, and libraries. However, young children are not safe when left unattended, and children who are unsupervised or left unattended often become disruptive. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all patrons, and to maintain an atmosphere that encourages reading and study, the following policy has been created:

Parents or guardians are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children in the Library, and may not leave children under the age of 8 unattended. Children under the age of 8 must be supervised by someone aged 15 or older. Parents of children who are repeatedly left unattended for long periods of time will be notified of the Library's policies.

Library staff cannot be responsible for children's safety. Staff can not know whether children are leaving the building with their parents, or with strangers. If a problem arises, or if the Library is closing and the parent(s) of children under the age of 12 cannot be located, staff will make a reasonable attempt to contact the parent(s) by phone. If the parent(s) cannot be contacted, staff will call the Lexington Police. Staff will wait at the rear entrance with the child until the Police arrive. It is the policy of the Library that staff members may not transport children from the Library to any other location.

Children between the ages of 8 and 12 may be left unattended for up to 2 hours, at the discretion of their parent(s), to complete homework assignments or special projects. These unattended children must know how to reach their parent(s) or guardian, and their parents must be aware that the Library closes at 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

Parents of children attending Library programs must be aware of the concluding time of the programs, so that their children do not have to wait for an unreasonable length of time to be picked up. Parent(s) should ask their children to wait inside the building to avoid the hazards of the street.

If children exhibit disruptive behavior, staff will inform the parents that their children are disturbing others. Some examples of disruptive behavior include: running, shouting, screaming, throwing objects, jumping on the furniture, banging on the fish tank glass, or banging on the computer keyboards. If the parents are unable to control the disruptive behavior of their children, the family will be asked to leave the Library.

Beverages in covered containers are permitted in the Children's Room. Food is limited to the South Lobby, and to approved events in the Meeting Room and Learning Center.

Diaper changing must be restricted to the restroom diaper changing tables, located in every Library restroom. Please place soiled diapers in plastic bags before placing them in the trash. The Children's Room can supply plastic bags, if needed.