The Amityville Public Library strives to provide a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for all community members. The Library is especially concerned with the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults.
Definition
A vulnerable adult is any individual 18 years or older who, due to mental, emotional, or physical impairment, cannot adequately care for themselves or manage their behavior without assistance.
Responsibilities of Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
- A parent, guardian, or caregiver 18 years or older is responsible for supervising vulnerable adults during their Library visit.
- Library staff cannot assume responsibility for monitoring the behavior or location of vulnerable adults, nor can staff prevent them from leaving the Library or its grounds.
Library Guidelines for Vulnerable Adults
- Independent Visitors
- Vulnerable adults who understand and follow Library rules and can care for themselves may visit the Library unattended.
- They must:
- Follow the Library’s Maintenance of Public Order Policy
- Have contact information for a parent, guardian, or caregiver who can be reached in an emergency
- Supervised Visitors
- Vulnerable adults who cannot care for themselves or follow Library rules must be accompanied and supervised at all times.
Staff Procedures
Library staff will attempt to contact a parent, guardian, or caregiver if:
- The vulnerable adult’s health or safety is in question
- Their behavior disturbs other Library users
- They violate the Library’s Maintenance of Public Order Policy
- They are unattended at closing time
If a responsible adult cannot be reached or the vulnerable adult is not picked up within 15 minutes of closing, staff may contact:
- The Amityville Police Department, and/or
- An appropriate Suffolk County agency
Adopted: May 16, 2019
Revised: October 15, 2025