PRIVACY STATEMENT

Our Commitment to Privacy

Protecting patron privacy is very important to the Provo City Library. The Library protects the confidentiality of patron information as part of its commitment to intellectual freedom. Confidentiality and privacy are essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association.

Confidentiality of Library Records

The Provo City Library supports the laws of Utah, which provide that most library records are confidential and protected. The Library does not disclose information about a patron or a patron’s use of library services or materials to any individual or organization except in the following circumstances:

• When the patron or the patron’s legal guardian requests such information..
• When there is a subpoena, search warrant, or a court order. In this case, the Library provides information to law enforcement personnel after consulting with legal counsel to ensure the document is in proper legal form.
• When there is an emergency where public health or safety may require immediate action. In this case, the Director or other designated staff member is contacted and legal counsel is consulted when possible.

Information Collected and Use

The Library collects information (such as name, birthdate, and contact information) when patrons obtain a library card, register for library programs, subscribe to a newsletter, complete a form, or enter information on the Library’s website. If this information is not provided, some services may not be available, including the issuance of a library card.

When registering for a library card, patron information is entered into the Library’s computer system from a completed application. After the application data is verified for accuracy, the application is destroyed or deleted.

The Library may use information collected for the following purposes:

• To personalize the patron experience and deliver content of greatest interest.
• To improve the Library’s website and services for residents.
• To respond to customer service requests.
• To process transactions.
• To send periodic emails regarding events and services offered by the Provo City Library.

Because the Library is part of the City of Provo, certain administrative records maintained by the Library may be considered public records under the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (Utah Code § 63G-2-301.). Public records may be available to members of the public upon request unless the law classifies them as private, controlled, or protected.

Not all information shared with the Library is public. Records related to a patron’s use of the Library — such as materials borrowed, library account information, or reference questions — are classified as private under state law and are not released except as permitted by law.

Personal information may appear in administrative record series such as:

• Program registration records
• Event attendance records
• Volunteer records
• Facility reservation records
• Public comments or correspondence
• Meeting records

These records are managed according to the City’s approved retention schedule.

Online Fine Payments and Collections

The Library offers cardholders the option of paying fines and room rental fees online and at self-check kiosks. Payments are encrypted to protect financial information, and credit card data is not retained by the library.

In cases where a patron fails to return materials, the Library may disclose circulation information to a collection agency hired to secure the return of library materials or payment for those materials. The collection agency treats all information as confidential and does not sell or share patron information.

Third Party Partners

The Library works with reputable third-party partners to provide certain online services to patrons. Information submitted to the Library may be provided to those partners on a confidential basis to assist in providing these services.

When patrons leave the Library's website to visit a partner’s websites, they are encouraged to review the privacy policies of the websites they visit.

The Library does not sell information collected on the Library’s website to outside parties. Contact information is used only to respond to requests, provide services, and communicate with patrons. Contact information is not used for any other purpose and is not sold to outside parties.

External Websites

The Provo City Library website may contain links to external websites that are not maintained by the Library. The Library is not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. Once patrons leave the Library’s website and access another site, they are subject to that website’s privacy policy or statement, if one exists.

Applicability

This privacy statement applies to all Provo City Library patrons. Parents or legal guardians of patrons under the age of 18 may have access to their child’s borrowing record or other identifying records as permitted by law. Otherwise, this policy applies equally to minor patrons.

Board of Directors
Provo City Library

Approved November 13, 2019
Approved March 11, 2026