NBPL 4

The Newport Beach Public Library welcomes children of all ages to use Library resources and attend programs and encourages parents, guardians, and adult caregivers (Caregivers) to bring children to the Library whenever possible. This policy is intended to promote the safety of children who use the Library and a positive experience for all patrons.

Responsibilities of Caregivers

While Library staff are trained to help children enjoy the Library and the materials it offers, Caregivers should be aware that the Library is a public building open to all individuals. Caregivers are solely responsible for the behavior, safety, well-being, and supervision of their children at all times while children are in the Library or on Library premises. This includes responsibility for the Library materials reviewed by or exposed to the children under their care and for ensuring children adhere to the Library’s standards of conduct and acceptable behavior as stated in Library Policy NBPL 1, Library Use Policy (NBPL 1).

For purposes of this policy, “children” are any patrons under the age of eighteen, “unattended” means not within sight or sound of their Caregiver, and the term “disruptive behavior” refers to the creation of loud and unreasonable noise, running, jumping, climbing, fighting, or other behavior that could interfere with the rights or safety of other patrons.

In order to maintain a safe atmosphere where reading, studying, and programming are encouraged, the Newport Beach Public Library has adopted the following policy:

1. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE: Children under the age of twelve may not be left unattended in the Library for any reason, including during Library programs. If it comes to the attention of Library staff that a child under the age of twelve has been left unattended, staff shall make a reasonable effort to locate the Caregiver in the Library or by phone. If the Caregiver cannot be located, the police may be called.
2. CHILDREN AGED TWELVE AND OLDER: Children twelve and older may use the Library on their own, but the Caregiver of each such child assumes responsibility for the child’s behavior. Staff may ask children of that age to behave and, if the disruptive behavior continues, an attempt may be made to notify the Caregiver; however, the Library assumes no responsibility to do so. In response to non-compliance, staff have the discretion to implement Enforcement of Prohibited Activities as stated in NBPL 1 and may contact the police.
3. LIBRARY CLOSURES (SCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY): If the Library closes without prior notice due to unusual or emergency circumstances, unattended children who cannot transport themselves must be able to reach the Caregiver for immediate pick up. If staff is aware of any unattended child remaining in the Library or on the Library premises at closing time without a ride home, staff may, but is not required to, make a reasonable effort to locate the Caregiver by phone. If the Caregiver cannot be located or is unable to pick up the child within 15 minutes after the Library closes for any reason, the police may be called.
4. TRANSPORTATION BY STAFF: Under no circumstances will staff transport unattended children, nor will a child be allowed to sit in a staff person’s vehicle.
5. ADULTS IN THE CHILDREN’S ROOM: Adults unaccompanied by a child may not use the Children’s Room or its restroom at the Central Library or the Children’s areas at the branches, unless accompanying or assisting a child, or with the express advance permission of Library staff (for example, to locate and obtain children’s materials).

Adopted - January 24, 1994
Reassigned – April 8, 2003
Amended – September 27, 2011
Amended- January 17, 2017
Formerly I-20
Formerly I-6
Reviewed – March 18, 2019
Amended – June 21, 2021
Amended – June 19, 2023
Amended – July 21, 2025

This Policy will be periodically reviewed by the Board of Library Trustees on the first to occur of (i) as circumstances may require or (ii) every two years from the date of adoption, last amendment, or last review. Adopted, last amended, or last reviewed on July 21, 2025.