How Public Librarians View Latchkey Children

Abstract

This study investigated the attitudes of children's librarians in public libraries in northeast Ohio toward latchkey children and the quantity and types of programs designed for them. Survey results indiciation that, in most cases, unattended children are using libraries as a safe place to stay while the parent(s) are working. While librarians see them as a problem, they also think that their libraries should do more to accommodate them. The majority feel that programming should be a community effort, but only a small minority report such involvement. Findings also indicate a definite need for policy development regarding latchkey children in public libraries.