Children and Young People in the Library

Public events and pre-arranged visits

We regularly host open events and pre-arranged visits as part of our collaboration with the Department of Archaeology's Outreach and Engagement staff as well as wider University initiatives.

Anyone attending these events are welcome to visit the Library as part of a scheduled or advertised tour or session but must remain accompanied by a parent, carer, guardian or other responsible adult throughout their time with us. 

Current users of the Haddon Library with children

Current users of the Haddon Library may be accompanied by children aged 15 and under for short visits, such as making an enquiry, retrieving books, or for pre-arranged appointments with a member of staff. Children aged 15 or under are not admitted to any of our library floors.

There are some parts of the building that are not suitable for under 18s to visit, for safety and security reasons.

  • Pushchairs and buggies may be left folded up or collapsed in our entry lobby
  • The Haddon Library cares for important and sensitive collections and children are not admitted to any of our reading spaces such as the main Reading Room or the McBurney Room
  • Except for pre-booked appointments with staff, visits with children should not be of excessive length. Longer visits for extended study are not permitted
  • The responsible adult accepts responsibility for accompanying children, including their safety, behaviour, and observance of relevant Library rules
  • The responsible adult must keep children under supervision, and the child should be at the adult’s side for the duration of the visit. For their own safety and wellbeing, children should not be left unattended in any part of the building in any circumstances
  • The Haddon Library team are not trained or insured to look after children, and are specifically not allowed to do so
  • Children should not remove books from shelves
  • Children are not allowed to use any Library equipment, including computer equipment, and should not use any electronic device on the University wireless networks. Any personal electronic device used by a child must be switched to silent mode
  • The Haddon Library reserves the right to ask readers to leave if, in the opinion of staff on duty, a child’s behaviour is disturbing other users
  • The Haddon Library reserves the right to withdraw this privilege at any time or to impose restrictions during certain periods
  • Any damages or loss arising directly or indirectly from the conduct of the child or children under their responsible adult's care, unless such loss or damage is caused by the Haddon Library’s negligence, is to be indemnified. Nothing in this policy is intended to exclude the Haddon Library’s non-excludable liability for death or personal injury

This policy has been adapted from the University Library's policy on Children in the Library. Last updated: May 2025.