A pair of 12-year-old boys spoke to the city Library Board last week, with a 100-signature petition in hand seeking a change of rules to allow youngsters their age to go to the facility unattended by an adult.
Board members said they would not change the current policy, which requires all children 12 years of age and younger to be attended by someone at least 17 years old. But everyone at the meeting — including City Council President Bob Gentle, who is not a library board member — discussed several options to accommodate middle schoolers with busy parents.
“We’ve known when sexual offenders have been in this building. We’ve known when homeless people have been in here,” said Martin Lanaux, library board president. “Any parent dropping off their child here would expect us to provide protection for that child, and we just can’t do it.”
Boys seek new policy on children in library
Maybe if they agree to plant a tree and/or flower along the streets of Fairhope for each visit they make to the library, it could be allowed.
5 comments ↓
It’s simple. The librarians just don’t want kids in there messing things up. I used to be a children’s librarian and we allowed children of all ages to be dropped off without adult supervision.
I sometimes think they forget who they work for.
I remember the research rooms in the back of the old fairhope library…. in middle school those were the make out rooms. I sure do miss those….
What’s to stop you now? Just go after McSherry’s.
I don’t think the Misses would agree with you Top Hat… she knows too many librarians.
Chuck, you’ve got the right place. Bartender is a great fella. Ask for a Half and Half.
Leave a Comment