In loco parentis
There was a story in the paper a few months ago about a child who was snatched to a remote corner of the library and unspeakable things happened. It’s not the kind of image anyone wants associated with their local library - or anything else. In response, our board asked the professionals to suggest wording for signs to put in places that people tend to get distracted. They are working on the computer and don’t realize their little one has wandered off. Or they are reading this week’s People (c’mon, we all do it) and get up for last week’s issue, leaving their bag on the floor. They go to the facilities and leave their laptop on a table.
I’m generally anti-library-signage. I think that no matter what they say too many signs has a chilling effect on the patrons. That said, I was proud of us:
“Please remember this is a public building. Keep your valuables, including your children, close by.”
