Independence Township Library has a new unattended-children policy. Approved by the Township Board, the policy states:
? Children under age 7 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent, caregiver, or responsible sibling 12 and older;
? Children 7 and older can be unattended subject to behavior;
? During special children’s programs, parents must remain in the area tobe available if needed;
? Children with special needs, mental, physical, or emotional, that require supervision, must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times;
? Unattended children under age 16 must be picked up before closing time. If parent or guardian cannot be located within 20 minutes after closing, staff will call Oakland County police.
The policy was created in response to increased incidents of children not being picked up at closing time, and inadequate supervision of children at the library, said Julie Meredith, library director.