As many of you know one of our regular patrons, a ChildServe resident, was recently seen by staff and patrons touching himself inappropriately in the Youth Services area. Today, I sent the message included below to a ChlidServe staff member. In short, the messages says that adult ChildServe visitors should stay either in the Youth Computer Lounge or on the adult/east side of the Library. Keep in mind that not all ChildServe groups are adults–some are under 18. This rule would not apply to them. Please take a look at the message and let me know if you have any questions.
Lori,
We recently experienced a couple of incidents with an adult visitor from ChildServe in the library’s Youth Services area. He likes to use the tablets along the north windows—a popular spot for children to play. Both incidents involved him masturbating.
We typically do not allow adult patrons not accompanied by a child to hang out in the youth services area but, up to now, have made an exception for ChildServe. After this incident and further reflection, we’ve decided it would be best to treat adult ChildServe visitors—those 18 and older—like we do other adult library visitors and limit use of the Youth Services area to the Youth Computer Lounge—a glass-walled room with computers on the northeast side of the Youth Services area. This still leaves the east half of the library—the adult area–open for use.
To accommodate ChildServe visitors who like to use the tablets in the Youth Services area, we will be purchasing 3 tablets for the adult area that will be kept at the Information Desk.
Please pass this along to staff and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.