Privacy Rules

Title:  Privacy Rules
Effective Date:  May 19, 2025
Review Date: March 11, 2025

The Hamlin Community Library (hereinafter “Library”) is committed to protecting the privacy of the Library’s patrons of all ages, including minors (collectively referred to as “patrons” or “patron”).  The Library “supports equal and equitable access to all library resources and services by users of all ages.” as prescribed by the American Library Association.  

1. The right to read and borrow library materials free from scrutiny regardless of age.

2. The right to seek information and have the subject of academic and personal research remain private.

The Library acknowledges that every patron has the right to seek information freely from any source—without scrutiny or judgment of others.  The Library encourages patrons to make the most of the Library’s services, whether online or in person, and to feel confident while doing so.

The Library’s rules conform to the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association, which provides this summation of the library community's commitment to privacy: "We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted."

The Library protects every patron’s right to privacy by:

1. Maintaining no record of items checked out other than currently borrowed items.

2. Retaining no record of:

a. in-person requests or book retrievals from the Library stacks or archives; and

b. use of Library computer Internet search history. 

3. Divulging no information about patron’s personal research or reading preferences.

The Library may store personally identifiable information in conjunction with normal loan operations, hosted activities or other services.  Please note that the Library may be obligated to release such information to federal law enforcement agents in response to a search warrant or subpoena issued in accordance with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 50 U.S.C. 1861, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56).  That law prohibits Library staff from informing patron that such a request has been received.