Library has safety fears

Birkenhead Library is working to resolve mothers' fears that children could fall from the mezzanine floor if they climb on desks.

Manager Sharron Cleghorn says some mothers have raised concerns over the possibility of children falling at the new library.

Birkenhead-Northcote Community Board chairwoman Jennifer Yorke says there are also fears about children falling down the stairs.

Mrs Yorke says that during a recent visit to the library someone pointed out their concerns to her, including the fear that children could fall from the mezzanine floor.

"I'm not overly sensitive," she says. "It did give me the heebie-jeebies."

Mrs Cleghorn says the library put up a sign warning about children climbing on to high benches.

A gate is being considered to block young children trying to walk down the stairs but fire egress and easy access for the elderly must also be considered, she says. Events for toddlers are being held downstairs in the library.

Mrs Cleghorn says the children's section could not be downstairs because there was not enough room to host children's events. She says it is common for children's sections in libraries to be upstairs, and she reminds parents to not leave their children alone in the library.

Strictly speaking, children up to 14 years should be accompanied by their parents, Mrs Cleghorn says.

She also says parents using the internet may become distracted and that they must remember to keep an eye out for their young children.

- © Fairfax NZ News