Children in the Library

Young children:  The Mercer Public Library encourages visits by young children and it is our desire to make their visit both memorable and enjoyable. Library staff are not expected to assume the responsibility for the care of unsupervised children in the library.  Therefore, all children under the age of six must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the library.  If the young child is attending a library program, a parent or responsible person must remain in the library throughout the program. Parents, whether present or absent, are ultimately responsible for the behavior of the child.

Disruptive children:  Children of all ages are encouraged to use the library for homework, recreational reading, and program attendance. The library staff realizes that the library will be noisier at times and that children by nature can cause commotion. However, children (whether with parents or not) who are being continually disruptive will be given a warning that they must settle down or will be asked to leave the library.  If after a second warning a child continues to be disruptive, he/she will be asked to leave the library.  If the child needs to contact a parent, he/she may do so and then wait with a staff person until the parent arrives.