Safety Tips for Parents and Children in Public Places

Recently a child was attacked at the New Bedford Public Library...you may have read about it in the newspapers. His mother was within earshot, but he was not within her sight. Libraries are public buildings, and the variety of people who use are building is large. Please keep your child within earshot AND within sight at all times. We recently saw a sign in a public library that said "Please keep your child within hugging distance." Children under 8 should never be further from a parent than that. Older children in public are at risk too, and should be taught safety procedures. Our doors are busy, and frequently open...children can move through them very quickly. In addition, our shelves can block the view from what is happening. Please help us keep everyone safe!