Confidentiality

 Library records relating to an individual patron’s use of the library and its resources are confidential.  The East Hampton Public Library only collects and/or retains records on individual users as necessary for the protection of public property and for the gathering of statistical library usage data. 

The East Hampton Public Library protects library patrons’ right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received, as well as resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.   The library will not release any information or records on any individual’s library usage without written consent from the individual or as required by law.  Any requests for library records are to be referred to the Library Director.

Furthermore, the East Hampton Public Library adheres to the State of Connecticut’s Confidentiality of Circulation Records Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 11-25.  

2012 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 11 – Libraries and Museums
Chapter 190 – Public Libraries
Section 11-25 – Reports by libraries. Confidentiality of records.

(a) The libraries established under the provisions of this chapter, and any free public library receiving a state appropriation, shall annually make a report to the State Library Board.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding section 1-210, records maintained by libraries that can be used to identify any library user, or link any user to a library transaction, regardless of format, shall be kept confidential, except that the records may be disclosed to officers, employees and agents of the library, as necessary for operation of the library.

(2) Information contained in such records shall not be released to any third party, except (A) pursuant to a court order, or (B) with the written permission of the library user whose personal information is contained in the records.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, “library” includes any library regularly open to the public, whether public or private, maintained by any industrial, commercial or other group or association, or by any governmental agency, but does not include libraries maintained by schools and institutions of higher education.

(4) No provision of this subsection shall be construed to prevent a library from publishing or making available to the public statistical reports regarding library registration and use of library materials, if such reports do not contain personally identifying information.

(1949 Rev., S. 1663; February, 1965, P.A. 490, S. 8; P.A. 75-316, S. 15; P.A. 81-431, S. 4; P.A. 07-227, S. 20.)

(Approved by the Library Advisory Board 11/5/18.  Approved by Town Council 11/27/18.)