Everyone, regardless of age, is entitled to free, open, and equal access to materials and services in the library, including books, magazines, recordings, automated information, and reference service.
The Lafayette Public Library:
• respects the privacy of all library users regardless of age;
• offers reference, readers advisory, and interlibrary loan services to all library users; and
• encourages parents and guardians to take an active interest in their child’s choices for reading, listening, and viewing by talking with them about the kinds of materials that are suitable for them to use.
It is the policy of the Lafayette Public Library to safeguard access to borrower records and to make that information available only to the person who owns the library card and, in cases of overdue materials, to a parent or legal guardian.
Ways To Get Information About Your Record/Account
You can get information about your record, what items you have checked out, and holds you have placed from the library’s computer catalog. Choose “Renew Your Books” from the menu and follow the on-screen directions.
You need to have your library card number in order to access this information. You can see your record at any of the catalog stations in the library, or by connecting to the library from your home computer.
How Do I Pick Up An Item For Someone Else?
When you come to the library in person and bring a library card belonging to a friend or family member, you will be able to check out materials for that person. Or, you may leave a message on your library record that gives specific people your permission to pick up items at the library for you. They may check out materials in your name and pay charges on your card.
Library staff may not be able to provide all types of information about your record to them. You may arrange for this message to be placed on your record the next time you are in the library. Ask at the check out desk.
The library has these safeguards in place to protect your privacy.
Library staff do not know what might be sensitive for you, and therefore all information is kept confidential.
Can I Receive Information About My Children’s Library Records and Use?
If children call the library or to come in with their cards, information about the record will be given to them just as for an adult. When the child’s card is presented, but the child is not present, items will be renewed and staff can provide information about account balances, but cannot provide the titles of items checked out to the child (Colorado State Law).
If your child’s items are overdue and charges are accruing on those items, library staff may provide the titles of those items to you.
Options to consider:
• Use your card to check out materials for your children if you prefer to keep closer track of the items.
• Keep the receipts your child is given at check out, and you will have a handy reminder of what is checked out and when it is due back at the library. Ask for a library magnet so that you can keep the receipts on the refrigerator.
• Remember that you can check on accounts online yourself with a library card number.
Confidentiality and State Law
The confidentiality of library borrower records is protected by Colorado state law:
Colorado Revised Statutes 24-90-119 Privacy of user records.
(1) Except as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, a publicly supported library or library system shall not disclose any record o other information which identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific materials or service or as otherwise having used the library.
(2) Records may be disclosed in the following instances: (a) When necessary for the reasonable operation of the library; (b) Upon written consent of the user; (c) Pursuant to subpoena, upon court order, or where otherwise required by law.
(3) Any library or library system official, employee, or volunteer who discloses information in violation of this section commits a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars.
What Does This Mean For Me?
The library will not give information about you or how you use the library to anyone without your permission or a court ordered subpoena.
When you come to the library in person, library staff will answer any questions you have about your record. Over the phone, library staff will renew items you have out and inform you of outstanding charges. Staff may not be able to provide all types of information over the phone.
