Our Policies (as of October 20th, 2026)
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Media and Visitor Photography, Filming, and Recording Policy (external)
Adoption Date: 03/24/2026 by the Board of Sugar Grove Free Library Policy Number: 014-External Purpose of Policy: Sugar Grove Free Library’s Media and Visitor Photography, Filming, and Recording Policy provides clear guidelines for photography, filming, and recording on library property. This policy helps support the library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning, enrichment, and connection for our community. Scope of Policy: The policy applies to all representatives of the media and visitors who use Sugar Grove Free Library. Policy Statement: Sugar Grove Free Library is committed to serving everyone, and recognizes that everyone in the library is responsible for safety and security to create a library environment that benefits everyone. Prioritizing the safety and security of staff and visitors as library services are provided to the community directly supports our mission. Library Safety and Security Goals -Foster an environment where the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all using the library is supported and practiced. -Promote awareness that our actions and attitudes impact not only on our own library experience but also the well-being of others in the library. -Build an environment where everyone feels safe, informed, and confident in accessing and using the library. Photography, Filming, and Recording by the Library 1. The library may take photos, film, or record programs, events, and visitors for promotional use. 2. Visitors and participants are notified, verbally and through signage, that photography, filming, or recordings may occur during open library hours and events for use in future library promotional materials (print, digital, social media, etc.). These materials are property of the library. 3. To protect individual privacy: a. Full names or personal details will not be used without written consent from the individual (or a parent, guardian, or caregiver if the subject is a minor). b. As a courtesy, if a close-up photograph or video is taken of visitors or participants during a program or event, a release form will be completed before the photo or video is posted or used by the library. c. Anyone, including library staff, who does not wish to be photographed, filmed or recorded should notify library staff. 4. For library-organized photo or video sessions intended for promotional use in ads: a. Signed release forms are required from those being photographed or filmed. b. For minors under 18, a release must be signed by a parent, guardian, or caregiver. c. For closed or private events, consent must be obtained from the group’s supervisor. 5. The library uses security cameras to help ensure the safety of its property, staff, and visitors. Recordings are kept confidential and stored securely. Cameras are only placed in areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. Signs are posted at the library entrance and throughout the library to let everyone know that video surveillance is in use. For further details, refer to the library’s Security Camera Policy. Media and Visitor Conduct and Guidelines Sugar Grove Free Library is committed to ensuring our policies protect your privacy and confidentiality and support the American Library Association’s (ALA) guidance on accessing resources, so your information-seeking activities in the library remain private and confidential. To support this, the library has rules around the use of photography, filming, and recording on library property. Disruptive or unsafe behavior or actions are not allowed, and library staff may issue a warning or ask anyone causing a disturbance to leave. Photography, filming, or recording that invades privacy, disrupts use, interferes with library operations, or violates library policies, and any federal, state, and local laws are not permitted. Restrictions on Photography, Filming, and Recording: 1. Photography, filming, or recording that invades privacy, disrupts library use, interferes with library operations, or violates library policies, and any federal, state, and local laws are not permitted. 2. Photography, filming, or recording library visitors are not permitted without their express permission. 3. Photographing, filming, or recording of minors (18 years old and younger) is strictly prohibited unless you have both (1) a signed release form and prior written permission from a parent or legal guardian, and (2) verbal approval from Sugar Grove Free Library Management. 4. Photography, filming, or recording is prohibited in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, unless approved by the Library Director. These areas include: a. Restrooms b. Labeled staff offices or non-public areas c. Reservable study rooms d. Library stacks or spaces with “no photography, filming, or recording” signage 5. Climbing on library surfaces, moving furniture or fixtures without library staff permission, and blocking access for others while taking photos, filming, or recording is prohibited. 6. Media Conduct: a. In addition to this policy, media must follow the library’s Visitor Safety, Security, and Conduct Policy. b. Media access may be restricted during emergencies to allow first responders to manage the scene. c. Media representatives must make themselves known to staff and obtain approval from the Library Director before any interviews or recordings. d. Library staff and board trustees should not be photographed, filmed, or recorded without consent and prior arrangement. 7. These rules apply to all individuals, including the media, content creators, and amateur photographers. 8. Library staff who see unauthorized photography, filming, or recording will remind you of this policy and refer you to the Library Director for approval. What is Allowed: 1. Casual photography, filming, or recording for personal, non-commercial use is allowed in public areas as long as: a. It does not interfere with library operations. b. It does not include others without their permission. c. It follows applicable federal, state, and local laws. 2. Visitors may take informal photos or videos of the library building and collections, as long as it does not disturb others or capture the identifiable likeness of others without permission. 3. Anyone wishing to photograph, film, or record in the library for commercial or public purposes (portraits, movies, promotional content) must get prior approval from the Library Director. a. A request form is available for completion at any service desk or on the library’s website. b. The Library Director will evaluate requests based on the potential impact on operations, staff, and visitors. 4. Only handheld cameras or phones are permitted. Tripods, lighting, selfie sticks, or other equipment are not permitted to be used without special approval from the Library Director. 5. You may plug devices into standard wall outlets (duplex receptacles) in the library. No other types of connections to the library’s electrical system are permitted. Do not remove covers from electrical panels or boxes. Liability and Non-Endorsement of Activities 1. Anyone taking photos, filming, or recording on library property is responsible for any harm, legal issues, or claims that result from what they do. 2. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary releases and permissions required by law from anyone before photographing, filming, or recording them. The library is not responsible for obtaining these permissions. 3. You are fully responsible for following all copyright, intellectual property, and other laws when taking photos, filming, or recording. 4. The library does not endorse any content of photos, filming, or recordings made on its property. Monitoring for Compliance and Consequences Library staff will enforce this policy and the Visitor Safety, Security, and Conduct Policy. They may step in if photography, filming, or recording risk anyone’s safety or security when using the library. This policy does not give anyone permission to violate any other library policy. Violating this policy may result in: -Charges for damages or costs -Temporary or permanent exclusion from the library and its services -Possible legal action Sugar Grove Free Library will determine the length of any exclusion. If you are excluded, you have the right to appeal by submitting a written request to the library director within 30 days of the exclusion notice. Once your appeal is received, an appeal meeting will be scheduled with the Board of Trustees, where you may present your request. After the meeting, the Board may choose to uphold, change, or cancel the exclusion. After the exclusion period ends, you may be allowed to return to the library. Policy Notice: This policy is subject to change without notice. Original Approval and Amendments: Policy originally approved by Sugar Grove Free Board 3/24/2026 |
The Patron Conduct Policy
Adoption date: by the Board of Sugar Grove Free Library Policy Number: 001-External Purpose of Policy: it is designed to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for learning and other library activities. Policy Statement: Failure to comply with the library’s established rules and policies could result in expulsion from the library and revocation of library privileges. The below rules are not intended to be a complete list of violations but are intended for guidance only. Library personnel reserve the right to take appropriate action against any other behavior which can reasonably be deemed to be offensive to library patrons or staff. This policy is in force on all library premises. The following are NOT permitted at the Sugar Grove Free Library, in or around its property
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