It is the policy of the New Lenox Public Library District to preserve the confidentiality of the registration and circulation records of its patrons to the fullest extent permitted by law. Information regarded as confidential in patron records includes name, address, telephone number, and any other information provided on the patron registration card and circulation record. Additionally, library staff may not disclose whether or not a person has a library card. However, patrons may request that another individual be allowed to access their records at the Patron Services desk.
The Library may use registration information to distribute library-related information to registered borrowers. However, registration and circulation records will not be made available to individuals (other than the patron him/herself or a person designated by the cardholder), groups, or businesses. These records will not be made available to any local, state, or federal agency, or to any private individual, e.g., an attorney, except pursuant to a court order as may be authorized under the authority of and pursuant to federal, state, and local law. (Note that usually a subpoena in Illinois is inadequate for disclosures of confidential information. However, a subpoena may be issued by the U.S. Attorney General under the provisions of the USA Patriot Act.) In all instances, the Library’s legal counsel may be consulted or advised of issues related to patron confidentiality.
The general and specific provisions of this policy are in accord with the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/1). A copy of the Library Records Confidentiality Act is available on the Library’s website.
Any staff member of the Library who receives a request, or who is served with a subpoena, court order, or search warrant, to release or disclose any library record shall promptly notify the Executive Director.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees January 11, 1999; Revised January 10, 2005; Updated April 21, 2014; Updated March 25, 2015; Updated November 12, 2024