Ask the school for a suggestion. Usually, they provide some option, such as the school library. Or does your child have a friend she can hang out with for a few hours?

According to DCPL: Children nine (9) years of age and older may use the library unattended providing they are able to follow library rules and observe proper conduct.

My child began walking to soccer practice in fourth grade. Sometimes he used to stop by the library.

I would probably leave them at home in this instance. I wouldn’t want my kid in the library alone. According to the sleepover thread a few weeks ago , most people are leaving their 9 year olds at home alone.

Anonymous wrote:Umm, no you can’t abandon your kid in the library for hours. Just leave them home. It’s much safer. Or just skip the event. It’s back to school night. Nothing you can’t get the information from afterwards. Not that there’s anything earth shattering anyway.

All of this. Especially the bolded. I assume the back to school night is for the 9 year old?

Public libraries have policies on this. Look it up on their website. Don't just chance it. If they figure out your kid is there unsupervised they'll call the police or get the kid to give your info and call you and tell you to come get him if they are feeling generous.

Ok DCUM is unanimous! I’m glad I asked here.

Maybe leave them with Sage the Car Seat Safety Lady.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why wouldn’t you just leave them at your home

It’s 30 minutes each way. Can I leave a 9 year old home alone for 2+ hours?

Depends on the kid, but in general, yes. I have a 9-year-old and most of his friends are allowed to stay home alone while their parents are out.

Ask the librarian?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why wouldn’t you just leave them at your home

It’s 30 minutes each way. Can I leave a 9 year old home alone for 2+ hours?

That was about the age I started to leave my kids home alone. I would let my neighbor across the street know, and my kids knew they could go to her if they had any issues. They were quiet kids, and if it was going to be longer than 30 minutes or so, I’d set them up with a movie before I left the house.

I would be worried about a fire or similar emergency

I wouldn’t leave a child that age alone in a library in the evening.
Leave them at home for 2 hours is better.

No, you get a babysitter.

Just take them with you to back to school night. Technically you’re supposed to leave the kids at home but every year a few parents bring their kids. As long as your kid can behave it shouldn’t be an issue.

I will be bringing my 8 year old with me, for what’s its worth. I don’t have childcare and he can sit and read quietly while the teacher gives their presentation.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why wouldn’t you just leave them at your home

It’s 30 minutes each way. Can I leave a 9 year old home alone for 2+ hours?

That was about the age I started to leave my kids home alone. I would let my neighbor across the street know, and my kids knew they could go to her if they had any issues. They were quiet kids, and if it was going to be longer than 30 minutes or so, I’d set them up with a movie before I left the house.

Absolutely not. Predators know to target libraries. I was once at a nice library with my DD, and there was a man who was very obviously targeting children (lurking in the kid’s section, getting very close to the kids, staring at them very obviously).

This is for your child’s back to school night? Just bring your kid. A school will understand. I’m a single mom and I always bring my kids, even when it’s supposedly “no kids”. People can get over it.