Privacy Policy

Cranston Public Library Privacy Policy

In accordance with RI General Laws § 11-18-32 (opens in a new tab) (criminalizing the dissemination of library borrowing records), § 11-49.3 (opens in a new tab) (imposing on municipal agencies that store or collect personal information about Rhode Island residents an obligation to implement and maintain a risk-based information security program that contains reasonable security procedures and practices), and § 38-2-2 sub-§ 4(U) (opens in a new tab) (library records that, by themselves or when examined with other public records would reveal the identity of the library user requesting, checking out, or using any library materials, are not public records), and as part of our commitment to intellectual freedom, it is the policy of the Cranston Public Library to protect the confidentially of patron records and the privacy of patron interest and inquiry. Privacy is essential to free speech, free thought, and free association. Confidentiality extends to all records with identifying information about patrons, including their borrowing records, requests for information, materials, and their loan transactions. It also includes their use of library computers, all electronic and print resources they access, all items printed on library 3D printers and items related to library programs and services. The Library will keep patron records confidential and will not disclose this information except as necessary to Library staff and vendors for the proper operation of the Library, upon consent of the user, pursuant to a subpoena or court order, or as otherwise required by law.

The only exception to this policy is for minors. Parents or legal guardians of children under age 13 may have access to information on their child's library card. Parents or guardians of 13 to 17 year olds may have access to their child’s library record only as necessary to settle their child’s financial obligation to the library.

Approved by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees May 13, 2015

Approved by the members of Ocean State Libraries May 4, 2017

Revised by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees September 12, 2018

Revised by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees October 9, 2024