Photography and Recording Policy

Town of Acton Libraries

The Acton Libraries — Acton Memorial Library and Citizens’ Library — are welcoming spaces for all members of our community. The Libraries have a significant interest in maintaining an environment that allows patrons to freely and safely access library information and resources.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the use of any recording devices in the library, including (but not limited to) cameras, cell phones, and voice recorders within the Acton Memorial Library and Citizens’ Library.

General guidelines

Respect for other library users and library staff shall be maintained at all times. To protect the privacy of Library patrons and staff members and ensure their freedom from harassment and intimidation. If patrons wish to photograph, or make film, video, or audio recordings of other patrons or staff in the Library for non-commercial purposes they must seek permission from the subjects first.

It is the sole responsibility of the person making the recording to obtain all permissions and releases.

Persons taking photographs and videos shall not:

• Compromise a patron’s or staff member’s right to privacy.
• Harass, intimidate, or threaten a patron or staff member.
• Block library aisles, walkways, stairwells, doors, or exits.

Any visitor who appears to be harassing or intimidating patrons will be asked to stop their harassing behavior. If the behavior continues, they will be asked to leave. If necessary, police will be called.

Exterior photographs and recordings

Patrons may take photographs or recordings of the Library grounds without permission. However, they cannot impede access to the entrances for any other patrons or staff to or from the Library.

Professional photography or recording

If a professional wishes to use the Library for commercial purposes, they must make an appointment. Please contact the Library director.

Photography and recording of materials and resources

The Library permits the taking of photographs and videos of its publicly-available collections by appointment. However, they are solely responsible for obtaining consent or other permission when taking photographs or videos of copyrighted materials.

The use of additional equipment, such as tripods or lighting is not permitted because of safety, liability, and other issues, without prior approval from the Library Director.

Library staff photography and recording

Library staff frequently engage in photographing and recording programs and events for its own publicity and promotional purposes. Library staff will make every effort to notify members of the public when filming and audio-recording is taking place. If a patron does not wish to be photographed or recorded they must notify a Library staff member.

Policy compliance

The Library reserves the right to ask any individual or group violating this policy to cease taking photographs or videos or to leave the premises.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of Acton Memorial Library this 28th day of March, 2024.