Confidentiality of Library Patron Records
Policy Category
- Board Members
- Staff
Policy
In compliance with New York State Civil Practice Law and Rules 4509, the records of the library cardholders are confidential. Library records include but are not limited to patron registration records, circulation records, attendance records for library-sponsored programs, records of computer use or reference services, or any other data linking a particular patron to specific library services or materials. Patrons have control over their library cards.
The presentation of a valid library card will allow the patron whose name appears on the access to information about that patron’s current circulation record. A person presenting the library card of a friend or family member may check out items on that card with authorization from the cardholder. However, no information from that library record may be given by library staff to a third party.
No information from the library records will be released to any person, agency, or organization, except in response to a valid court order or subpoena presented properly to the library Director or the Director’s representatives, and the Finger Lakes Library System, concerning all data in the Polaris system. Nothing in this policy shall prevent library staff from using library records to administer their regular duties. When no longer needed for administrative purposes, records will be expunged.
Approved
October 2026
Peck Memorial Library Board of Trustees
