The Trustees and staff of Memorial Hall Library encourage frequent visits by children and their families to the library and are dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment. The Library offers an array of programs and services to encourage a love of books, reading and learning. However, library staff cannot provide childcare or assume responsibility for children’s safety. The safety and supervision of children is the responsibility of parents, guardians, or caregivers.

• Children 9 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver over the age of 13, at all times and must remain on the same floor as their parent, guardian, or caregiver.
• Children ages 10 and 11 years old may use the Library unattended for up to two hours per day, and must have a telephone number of their parent, guardian, or caregiver available in the event of an emergency or unexpected closing.

Parents, guardians, or caregivers are responsible for picking up their children when the Library closes for the day.  Library staff will make every effort to contact the parents, guardians, or caregivers of any child aged 12 or under left at the Library at closing time and will remain with the child until a parent, guardian, or caregiver arrives.  If no parent, guardian, or caretaker can be reached Library staff will contact the Andover Police Department and may walk the child to the Public Safety Center if requested by APD. 

Patrons should anticipate that Library staff are prohibited from providing transport by vehicle or one-on-one supervision of unattended children after close, which will inform decisions regarding contacting APD for assistance.

The Coordinator of Children’s Services and the Library Director will be informed if a parent, guardian, caregiver, or the Andover Police were called for any child aged 12 or under left at the Library at closing time.

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees, January 11, 2023; January 10, 2024