MISSION STATEMENT: We open doors for curious minds.
PURPOSE OF VULNERABLE PERSONS POLICY
People are encouraged to use Anythink’s branches as spaces for reflection, discovery, socializing, inquiry and creative exploration.
There may be times when an individual visiting the library is vulnerable or at risk, and Anythink staff may seek assistance on behalf of that person. Anythink respects the privacy of all library customers and will only intervene when someone is in a vulnerable situation.
A vulnerable person is an individual of any age who demonstrates they are unable or unwilling to care for themselves.
PARENT, GUARDIAN OR CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITIES
A parent, guardian, or caregiver is responsible for monitoring the activities and regulating the behavior of children or other persons requiring supervision during their library visit. Anythink staff are not responsible for any consequences of parents, legal guardians, or caregivers not fulfilling their responsibilities.
Anythink staff are not trained or expected to provide care and supervision for children or other persons in need of constant attention.
VULNERABLE CHILD DEFINED
Libraries are important community spaces for children and teens to learn, socialize and grow. Spaces and programs are developed specifically for these age groups to support their learning and social needs. No matter their age, all individuals who visit the library must follow the Anythink Library Use Policy; the library also acknowledges that children mature at different ages.
Anythink defines a vulnerable child as an unattended child in the library between the ages of birth and 17 years old who Anythink staff believe to be at risk.
Parents, guardians and caregivers are encouraged to use the library with their children; whether those parents, guardians and caregivers are present or not, they are responsible for the behavior and wellbeing of the children in their care.
Based on their behavior, if a vulnerable child comes to the attention of library staff, staff will make a good-faith effort to contact the parent or guardian.
VULNERABLE ADULT DEFINED
Anythink defines a vulnerable adult as a person 18 or older who is unable to be at the library independently and Anythink staff believe to be at risk.
Based on their behavior, if a vulnerable adult comes to the attention of library staff, staff will make a good-faith effort to contact their emergency contact.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Children and adults who rely on others for life skills, transportation, or guidance should have emergency contact information readily available and be able to contact caregivers independently, as needed. The library is not responsible for retaining this information. If a parent, caregiver, or guardian cannot be reached, the person will be referred to local law enforcement.
Anythink staff may attempt to contact a parent, guardian, emergency contact or local law enforcement when:
- The health or safety of the person is in doubt;
- A person is frightened or confused while alone at the library;
- The behavior repeatedly disturbs other customers and has caused library staff to ask the person to leave the library;
- The building is closing.
Anythink staff are not responsible for preventing vulnerable persons from leaving library grounds or monitoring or managing their behavior. Under no circumstances will staff take the unattended person to another location.