Hyannis Public Library

401 Main St.

Hyannis, MA 02601

Parents: Please Read our
Children's Department Policy

The Hyannis Library staff values our youngest readers and wants to assure that our policies help to promote safe and enjoyable library visits. Youngsters left alone in the Children’s Room for long periods of time naturally grow bored and restless, and their behavior can be disturbing to others. The rules below outline our policy concerning supervision of children in the library:

1. Children five years of age and younger must be supervised by a responsible person (adult or mature adolescent). If your young child is in the Children’s Room then you must stay with the child or have the child accompany you into the adult area.

2. Children six to eight years of age may be left unattended for up to one-half hour only. Please inform Children’s Room staff of your whereabouts inside the library building.

3. Children over eight years of age may use the library unattended, subject to our rules concerning conduct and behavior. Library staff members are not caregivers, and therefore visits to the library should not serve the function of babysitting.

4. When picking up older children from the library you must arrange to meet them at least 15 minutes before closing so that children are not left waiting after library hours.

The Hyannis Public Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended. Furthermore, parents must assume liability for damage done by their children.

       • Children in categories 1 and 2 need to be accompanied to the bathroom. Ask the Security Guard for the key to the restroom that is kept locked for your protection.

       • The above rules do not apply to scheduled library programs in which your child is participating.