Background
Public library service is based on the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the right of free expression. Inherent in this is the freedom to read, to listen, and to view without interference and surveillance.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of Easttown Library to endorse and comply with the (PA) Library Code, Act of June 14, 1961, P.L. 324 as amended through July 1, 2000, specifically Section 428, added 1984, June 27, P.L. 431, No. 90, Section 3, commonly referred to as "Act 90," quoted in part below.
Library Circulation Records
"Records related to the circulation of library materials which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of the State Library or any local library which is established or maintained under any law of the Commonwealth ..., shall be confidential and shall not be made available to anyone except by a court order in a criminal proceeding."
Easttown Library defines the "circulation of library materials" to include but not to be limited to: borrowing of materials; use of materials within the Library; requests for information or materials; any information a staff member or volunteer may have about borrowing status; author, title or subject requests; reading, listening or viewing habits; interests or concerns; or patterns of library use by any individual, regardless of the individual's age.
Easttown Library requires staff and volunteers to treat as confidential any information they may have about an individual's "circulation of library materials."
It is also the policy of the Easttown Library to comply with federal law such as the USA PATRIOT Act (2001; P.L. 107-56) which allows access to library information by law enforcement agencies by proper legal order. Easttown Library recognizes its obligation to protect user confidentiality to the extent possible within the framework of the law. Easttown Library's response to legal orders will be guided by the advice of the County Solicitor's Office.
Adopted 9/21/2005; Revised 10/15/2008
