Vulnerable Adults Policy

The Melrose Park Public Library is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all community members. The Library recognizes the importance of protecting vulnerable adults while they are on Library property. Although reasonable precautions are taken to promote patron safety, the Library cannot assume responsibility for vulnerable adults who are left unattended. Library facilities are not licensed or equipped to provide personal care services, including supervision, nutrition, medical care, or emergency assistance.

Parents, legal guardians, caregivers, or other responsible adults aged 18 or older are responsible for monitoring the activities and behavior of vulnerable adults during Library visits.

The following guidelines apply to vulnerable adults using the Library:

• Vulnerable adults who are unable to care for themselves, make safe decisions independently, or comply with the Patron Rules of Behavior policy must be accompanied and adequately supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
• Vulnerable adults who are able to care for themselves, understand and follow Patron Rules of Behavior policy, and respond appropriately in an emergency may use the Library independently. These individuals should have readily available contact information for a parent, guardian, caregiver, or other responsible person.

Library staff will attempt to contact a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver when:

• The individual's health, safety, or well-being appears to be at risk;
• The individual's behavior violates the Patron Rules of Behavior policy, and staff have directed the individual to leave the Library; or
• The individual remains at the Library after closing, and a parent, guardian, or caregiver is not present.

If a parent, guardian, or caregiver cannot be reached at closing time, Library staff will contact local law enforcement to assume responsibility for the individual. Two staff members will remain with the vulnerable adult inside the Library until a parent, guardian, caregiver, or law enforcement officer arrives.

Parents, guardians, or caregivers who violate the Patron Rules of Behavior policy may be subject to suspension or termination of Library privileges and may be excluded from Library property.

Definition of a Vulnerable Adult

For purposes of this policy, a vulnerable adult is an individual 18 years of age or older whose ability to perform daily living activities, make independent decisions, or provide adequate self-care is substantially limited due to age, illness, disability, or a physical, cognitive, developmental, or mental health condition.