The Waltham Public Library encourages children of all ages to use and enjoy its facilities. While librarians work to create a safe environment in the library, this work does not extend to acceptance of responsibility to care for or watch over any child or children left unattended by the person responsible. The presence of unattended children in the library is a safety issue of concern to all. Children are at great risk in this day and age, even in a library. All children under nine years of age must, at all times, be attended and adequately supervised by a parent or responsible adult who remains with them in the Children's Room.

Children (ages 9 and up) may be left unattended, at the discretion of the responsible adult, for the period of time necessary to complete homework assignments and projects, to attend a library program, or for quiet reading and thinking. However, the child should know how to reach the adult, and both child and adult should be aware of the closing time of the library. At closing time, the police will be notified to escort unattended children from the library.

It is the responsibility of the accompanying adults to ensure the appropriate behavior of their children in the library. Children are expected to handle books, toys, and other library materials with care. Disruptive or destructive children will be asked to leave the library after appropriate warning.