The Olean Public Library is committed to offering a welcoming environment for children and families. To ensure the safety of our youngest patrons, the library requires children aged 10 and under to be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible older sibling or caregiver who is at least 13 years of age. The safety and behavior of a child is not the responsibility of library personnel. The parent or other responsible person must be in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child. If a child 10 or under is found unattended, library personnel will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the library and inform him/her of the rules. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, or if the child is found unattended again, the police will be called for assistance.

Children over age 10 may use the library unattended; however, the parent/caregiver is still responsible for the behavior and well-being of the child. The child may be asked to leave the library if he/she exhibits inappropriate behavior. The library assumes no responsibility for the whereabouts of an unattended child who has been asked to leave library property.