Supervising Children Policy

A primary mission of Cheltenham Township Library System is to foster a love of learning and reading in the young people of our community.  Children are encouraged to use and enjoy the library. CTLS works to create a safe and welcoming environment for children. The Library is a public facility and is frequented by many people every day. Parents are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children while the children are in the library. CTLS will not assume responsibility for caretaking or supervision of children.

• • An actively engaged parent or a caregiver aged 12 or older must be in the immediate vicinity of children under the age of five at all times, even if they are attending a program.
  • Children aged eight or older may visit the library or attend programs independently if they can abide by CTLS policies, including the Behavior Policy, and independently share emergency contact information with staff when requested. Parents or other responsible persons may be required to supervise children if they create a disturbance in the library or disregard the rules of behavior.
    • By their nature, some programs require adult supervision or assistance. This requirement will be prominently advertised in the program information.
  • Please ask a library staff member if you are unsure of our closing time before dropping off your child(ren). If the library is closing and an unattended child under 12 is left without transportation, library staff will permit the child to call for a ride. Library staff will not drive children home. If a child under 12 remains after closing and a caregiver has not arrived, library staff will contact Cheltenham Township Police. A second incident will result in the library requiring that the child be accompanied by an adult during library visits.

  Adopted April 28, 2004. Updated 2024.