Confidentiality of Library Patron Records

Last Reviewed and Approved: June 21, 2023

The Valley Park Community Library honors every patron’s right to have his or her library records remain confidential.  Library records include patron registration data, circulation records, overdue and reserve records, participation in library sponsored programs, record of library visits, and/or any data which may contain information linking a specific patron to specific materials or services used.  Each patron has individual control over his or her borrower’s card and presentation of the card permits access to information about the borrower's current circulation record.  Except during the actual period of transaction (circulation, maintenance of record on unpaid fines, reservation material, etc. The library will not maintain a record of transactions.  When no longer needed for library administration purposes, records will be expunged.

No information will be released to any person, agency or organization not authorized by the patron to receive such information, except in response to a valid court order or subpoena, properly presented to the library administrator or library Board of Trustees.

Library policies shall not prevent authorized personnel from using library records in the administration of their regular duties.  Reserved materials may be retrieved from the library by the patron who reserved the material, or by individuals known to the library as authorized by the patron to retrieve such materials.