Children’s Room Safety & Behavior Expectations
Just some reminders as summer arrives
Hello,
We want kids to enjoy the library and feel welcome here. We also need the space to remain safe and usable for other families.
The children’s room is designed to encourage curiosity, play, creativity, movement, and community. We understand that children can be loud, energetic, excited, and occasionally dysregulated, especially in a stimulating social environment. Laughing, imaginative play, excited voices, sensory seeking, movement, and age-appropriate behavior are all normal and welcome parts of a children’s space.
At the same time, there has recently been an increase in unsafe and destructive behaviors that are making it difficult for staff to maintain a safe environment for everyone using the library.
The following behaviors are not permitted:
Climbing on furniture or toddler toys
Throwing toys, books, bean bag chairs, or other objects
Damaging library materials or equipment
Taking supplies or rummaging through cabinets without permission
Using library items in unsafe ways
Climbing on the retaining wall–That is not library property
Engaging in dangerous physical behavior
Continuous screaming or behavior that prevents others from using the space comfortably
Children being left without appropriate supervision while staff become responsible for behavioral management
Library staff are here to support patrons and maintain the space, with that being said we are not able to provide childcare or one-on-one behavioral supervision. A majority of the time the staffing consists of only Heather and Rose, with having such a large building and outdoor space it is not possible to supervise every space at all times.
We ask that caregivers remain actively engaged and help children follow library expectations so that the space can remain welcoming and accessible to all families, including young children, neurodivergent children, sensory-sensitive patrons, and community members seeking a calm environment.
If unsafe or destructive behavior continues after redirection, staff may ask families to take a break from the children’s room, leave for the day, or certain spaces or activities could become temporarily off-limits for all patrons in order to protect everyone’s safety.
We truly value the families who use the library and appreciate your partnership in helping us create a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Thank you,
Heather and Rose
Ashby Free Public Library