To leave DD in library whilst I go to work

[LoveandPeaceGonk]

DD is 10.5

I've been a SAHM since she was born. I've managed to find a part-time job 30 minutes drive from where we live (rural location so no jobs locally).

They want me to start in July which is when DD breaks up for 7 weeks.

We're going away for one week and I've booked her in a sports club for another but am struggling with other weeks

There is a really nice library close to where I'll be working. Would I BU to leave her there for one morning/afternoon a week i.e. 3 hours? She's a bookworm so could amuse herself on that plus the computer.

And there's a cafe next door she could pop into. Plus she'd have her phone with her.

What do you think?

[Noneedtoworryatall]

It is still dumping them if your using the library as unpaid childcare.

I had no idea people did this, it wouldn't cross my mind in a million years.

[GoringBit]

For crying out loud, the OP isn't dumping her DD. She's taking her to a public facility which she'll enjoy; it's not like she'll be leaving a non-swimmer at the swimming pool. And let's not forget, this is to go to work and earn money (much needed, by the sound of it) not a whim or a jolly.

[GoringBit]

It's not unpaid childcare. The OP's DD is 11 and, by her account, a sensible girl. She'll need no more care than any other person using the public library.

[SillyStuffBiting]

Do you really think they all come in a sit quietly reading?

Most won't glance at a book until they're allocated hour on the computers is up and they are fed up colouring in.

[Buttercup27]

Could you and her go to the library regularly on the lead up to the holidays so you get to.know the staff and know you are both regular users so won't be supprised if your dd is there lots during the holidays.

[PuppyMonkey]

All those books and the potential for them falling off shelves and hurting a big toe, people. This highly sensible 11 year old child is going to need constant supervision. Constant.

[SillyStuffBiting]

Using a facility at a certain time for a certain length of time to fit in with work is not the same as just going to the library. It's using the library as childcare.

Her 10 year old Dd can't up and leave when she's fed up or if someone she doesn't like pops in and annoys her.

She's being made to stay.

[Noneedtoworryatall]

Op is using library as unpaid childcare if she leaves her there everyday for three hours while she is in work.

But it's up to her isn't it.

[GoringBit]

Some of the language on this thread is very unhelpful.

OP, you've had a spectrum of responses; if I were you, I'd take them on board and back away from the thread.

[RiverTam]

she's not using them as unpaid childcare, as she could (if she lived closer to work) just as easily leave her DD at home unattended, and she's not actually expecting any of the staff to take care of her child. She is using the library as many people do, to spend a bit of time in - reading books or magazines, using the computer, having a cup of tea in the cafe.

I do think a lot of people are overthinking this needlessly. Sensible, bookish 10 yo in library for a few hours while her mum works? No, doesn't sound like scandalous headline news to me.

[strawberrypenguin]

I work in a library and I'm afraid that libraries are not always as safe as you think. They are buildings open to the general public - all the public. Not trying to scare monger but I have had people in my library arrested by the police on site for using the public computers to look at child pornography.
The library staff are not there for childcare and while I am sure they would watch out for your DD they cannot be responsible for her. If you think she would be fine in the library for 3 hours why not leave her at home with a stack of library books instead?

[RiverTam]

also, libraries are funded from council tax, so if the OP is a council tax payer then she's simply using a facility that she's already paying for!

[SillyStuffBiting]

My ds is ten and will be popping in and out of the library throughout the holidays unaccompanied. He won't be there for 3 hours so I can go to work.

[happybubblebrain]

It would probably be quite safe but I wouldn't do it because I'm a single parent and not a wealthy married Christian.

Make of that what you will.

[SillyStuffBiting]

By that logic we should just dump our offspring at the nearest council office whilst we go to work.

[SillyStuffBiting]

From a human perspective it's really a horrible position to be in as a member of library staff. If a child's in alone for over an hour you do start to think they've been left on purpose. You might have a chat with them to ensure they're ok if you get the chance. But you do worry when they leave or even worse when you're shutting up for the Fay and you don't know where they're going next. You do feel responsible for children in your branch and when they appear put of the blue (i.e. not one of your usual suspects) en masse in the holidays it's mayhem.

[fiveacres]

Happy - what!?

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

A wealthy married Christian?

[catsrus]

Manchester have a child safety policy which also clearly states 8 as the cut off. It also tells librarians what to do with under 8's on their own and how to deal with emergencies. I certainly went to the library on my own for hours aged 10 - and it was a good 25 min walk from home and we didn't have any phone at home never mind mobiles.

I think what you propose is fine OP

[QueefOfTheDamned]

I really can't see any difference between this situation and if the OP was at home and her DD wanted to spend some time at the library independently a couple of times a week.

[balletnotlacrosse]

I don't see how the OP is using the library as childcare. The library is a public space open to all. Her dd will be using it for its intended purpose ie reading and using the computer. She is not going in there to play computer games or run around with her friends. It is for one morning/afternoon a week, not all day every day and she is not a toddler or very young child who needs constant looking after.

As long as it is made clear to her that she is not to annoy other library users by making too much noise, sprawling across the seating leaving nowhere for others to sit, or hogging the computer for too long if others are waiting to use it then I honestly don't see the problem.

Libraries have always provided a place of refuge and comfort for book loving children. I would rather see a 10.5 yr old sitting quietly reading, than a group of teenagers chatting, texting, and lying across the seats so no one else can use them.

[ElleyBear13]

I used to go to the library when I was nine after school to wait for my mum finishing work. It was in a huge mall/leisure center, so I'd have a read of a book, possibly go watch people play badminton and then go to the cafe or news agents for a drink. I soon learnt I could nest myself down at the back of the library on the bean bags with a packet of sweets hidden in my bag! I loved it.

[DramaQueenofHighCs]

I would've LOVED it at that age - but then again at that age I was taking myself in to the library for 3 hours!

I agree to check the policy and check with the librarians personally. Ours has a 'no under 8' policy which I think is about right.

(despite the 'policy' my local library has no problem with me leaving DS there for a couple of minutes while I use the toilet as long as I let them know. Mind you that might be just because I'm a regular and they know and trust me and DS.)

[fiveacres]

But you're not responsible for them, Silly, and the child is certainly hold enough to be sensible for a relatively short period of time alone.

I don't feel projection of individual feelings about how an individual may feel detracts from the fact that this is an eminently sensible suggestion to a temporary issue.