Children in the Library

Welcome to the American Library in Paris!

Thank you for becoming a member, or for just enjoying the Library for the day. Please familiarize yourself with the following policies so that you may contribute to the vibrant, welcoming, and comfortable environment we strive to provide for all Library users.

Children must adhere to the same Terms and Conditions as all members and users, as well as the following rules specific to them and their parent(s) or guardian(s):

  • Parents and guardians are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children when in the Library.
  • All members, regardless of age, must badge in to enter the Library. Please supervise children at the entryway’s glass security gates.
  • Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while on the Library premises. Beyond the literary discoveries awaiting them, the Library offers young, inquisitive minds irresistible opportunities to explore the Library space: the elevator, the stairways to the mezzanine and lower levels, and the glass doors leading out of the building.
  • Children between the ages of 6 and 11 may be left in the Children’s Library while they are attending a program, as long as a parent or guardian is readily available on the Library premises.
  • Children 12 and older may use the Library’s services and facilities alone. However, they must be able to contact a parent or guardian quickly and parents or guardians must be aware of, and respect, the Library’s operating hours.
  • When children 12 and older attend Library programs, a parent or guardian must arrange for prompt pick-up at its conclusion, or authorize, in writing, their child to leave the Library unaccompanied.
  • Library staff members are not authorized to transport or accompany children off the premises.
  • If a problem or issue arises with a child of any age, and staff is unable to locate a parent or guardian, the police will be called at the staff’s discretion. This also applies to children found alone in the Library at closing time.
  • Running is not allowed and children should be encouraged to use their Library voices.
  • Supervise children when using the check-in/check-out self-service kiosks. All items checked out on a household account are the responsibility of the primary cardholder, as stated on the Membership Application.
  • Assist children when using the catalog stations.
  • Children may use the Library’s public computers. Access to the internet is unrestricted, and certain content may be objectionable to parents or guardians; it is their responsibility to educate their children on the use of the Internet if their child is using the public computers. The Library assumes no responsibility for content found on the Internet, whether accessed from a public PC or on a personal device connected to our Wi-Fi network.

 

Reviewed and updated August 2024