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Fine Schedule for Overdue Materials

TypeFine
14-Day Books and Express Books$.25 per day
28-Day Books$.10 per day
Children’s and YA Books$.10 per day
Movies and electronic games$2.00 per day
Audio books$.10 per day

Renewing Materials

You can renew books at the library, over the phone, and over the Internet using the online catalog. You may only renew if no one is waiting for the book and you have not renewed it before. You also must not have any outstanding fines on your card.

Lost Materials

If you receive and overdue notice and believe you have returned the book, please keep looking for the book AND contact the library. We can check our shelves.

If you have lost a book, please be aware that you will have to pay for a replacement copy.

You can pay your fines online by going to “Services” tab, and clicking “paying fines online”.

INTERNET POLICY AND USERS AGREEMENT

Policy Statement:

As part of its mission to serve as an educational and recreational resource for the community, the Malverne Public Library seeks to provide users with access to the Internet and the World-wide Web.  The Library is a forum for all points of view and adheres to and endorses the principles of intellectual freedom.

Choosing and Evaluating Sites:

In choosing sources to link to from its website, the Malverne Public Library follows its materials selection guidelines.  Beyond this, the Library is not responsible for the content of the Internet, changes in the content of the sources to which the Library home pages link, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.

Standards of Internet Access:

Use of Library automation systems and patron personal electronic devices to access, create, view, transmit, or receive disruptive or offensive messages, including offensive communications related to race, gender, hair color, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, pornography, religious belief and practices, political beliefs, or national origin; threatening, or otherwise objectionable or illegal material, defined as any visual, textual, or auditory entity, file, or data, is strictly prohibited. Such material violates the Library policies and subjects the user to suspension of Library privileges. The Library’s electronic Internet access and computer systems must not be used to harm others or to violate the laws and regulations of the United States, New York State or any other state, city, or other local jurisdiction in any manner. Use of Library resources for illegal activity can lead to suspension of Library privileges and bar future access to the Library’s Internet.

Prohibited Uses of Internet Access:

Patrons’ use of Library computers and patron’s personal wi-fi enabled electronic devices for access to and use of the Library’s Internet must be in accordance with Library Internet Use Guidelines, under which the following conduct is prohibited:

    • Making unauthorized copies of Library files or other Library data;
    • Destroying, deleting, erasing, or concealing Library files or other Library data, or otherwise making such files or data unavailable or inaccessible to the Library or to other authorized users of Library systems;
    • Violating the laws and regulations of the United States, New York State or any other nation or any state, city, province, or other local jurisdiction in any way;
    • Engaging in unlawful or malicious activities, or in any conduct in violation of the Library’s Maintenance of Public Order Policy;
    • Deliberately propagating any virus, worm, Trojan horse, trap-door program code, or other code or file designed to disrupt, disable, impair, or otherwise harm either the Library’s networks or systems or those of any other individual or entity;
    • Using abusive, profane, threatening, racist, sexist, or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages;
    • Sending, receiving, displaying or accessing pornographic materials;
    • Causing congestion, disruption, disablement, alteration, or impairment of Library networks or systems;
    • Defeating or attempting to defeat security restrictions on Library systems and applications;
    • Engaging in inappropriate network usage including hacking and other unlawful activities.

Policy Statement for Internet/Intranet Browser(s):

All Library policies and procedures apply to Library patrons’ conduct on the Internet, including, but not limited to: intellectual property, confidentiality, Library information dissemination, standards of conduct, misuse of Library resources, anti-harassment, and information and data security.

Internet Use Rules and Regulations:

  • Preference in the use of the Internet will be given to residents of the Village of Malverne and the Library Funding Districts of North Malverne and North Lynbrook. Non-residents may use the Internet if it is not in use by a local resident, and must relinquish the time slot in the event that a local resident wishes to use it.
  • All users are required to complete the Internet User Agreement Form. Parents/guardians of children age 17 and below must sign for internet permission on the child’s library card registration.
  • Internet access is available to senior high school students and adults at the Reference computers, and to children through middle school grades at the Children’s area computers.
  • Users must sign in at the Circulation Desk or Children’s Desk and submit appropriate ID.
  • One 2-hour time slot may be reserved at a time. If the computer is available, the time period may be extended by the Librarian.
  • Librarians will log users into the system and will provide rudimentary information to assist users’ log-in and access to the Internet. It is the responsibility of the user to exit all programs used, display the original screen and leave a clean, uncluttered desktop for the next user.
  • Users may print materials on the library’s printers or save information onto their own flash drives. Users may not download or save information to the Library computer’s hard drive.
  • Users are prohibited from engaging in inappropriate network usage including hacking and other unlawful activities and must comply with all State and Federal Laws including all U.S. copyright regulations.
  • Failure to comply with Library rules and regulations will result in suspension of Internet access privileges and potential suspension of Library privileges to enter Library premises and borrow Library materials.
  • The Malverne Public Library makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor assumes responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy or usefulness of any information accessed via the Internet.

Approved: June 19, 2017

MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER AT LIBRARY FACILITIES POLICY

I. Purpose

The following rules, regulations and procedures are enacted by the Board of Trustees for the purpose of maintaining public order in the Library facilities and the surrounding site by all Library patrons, visitors and employees, as well as other licensees and invitees, in accordance with Section 262 of the Education Law of the State of New York.

II. Conditional Permission for Use of Library Facilities

As a condition for the use of Library premises, Library patrons, employees, visitors and other licensees and invitees who enter upon or remain at the Library facilities, agree that they shall be subject to these rules and regulations.  Failure to comply with the same shall constitute grounds for the immediate ejection as a trespasser, suspension of Library borrowing privileges and revocation of rights to enter upon Library premises.

III. Purpose of Use of Library Facilities

The use of Library facilities and entry onto Library premises shall be limited to employees of the Library in the performance of their duties, and patrons and visitors to the Library facilities and offices for purposes of reading, utilization of Library public access computers, utilization of patron laptop and portable computers and video devices for online/internet access, for the selection, returning and borrowing of Library books and materials, conducting business with the Library, and attendance of educational conferences, meetings, programs and concerts authorized or conducted by the Board of Trustees or other Library personnel.  All persons entering or remaining upon Library premises for any other purpose shall be deemed to be trespassers not authorized to remain upon Library premises if engaged in conduct in violation of Library rules and regulations or in violation of law, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Causing or attempting to cause physical injury to the person or property of another;
  • Willfully removing, moving or attempting to cause physical damage to Library building & any library equipment (i.e. : computers, furniture)
  • Damaging, altering, marring or defacing Library books and related materials;
  • Engaging in any unlawful conduct in violation of the Penal Law of the State of New York, including but not limited to:
    • displaying of obscene or pornographic materials on Library public access computer video monitors, on patron video devices such as laptop computers, I-Pads, smart phones, etc., or in printed/graphic form;
    • causing the retention of such obscene or pornographic material on Library computers and computer hardware and media;
    • transporting illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, firearms, knives, switchblade or gravity knives or other weapons or contraband, including impact weapons (example: batons, bats, clubs) onto Library premises;
  • Entering into unauthorized (non-public access) areas of the Library;
  • Refusing to comply with the directives of the Library Director or his/her designee or other authorized personnel;
  • Bringing food and beverages into the Library;
  • Consuming food or liquids of any nature on Library premises except as may be authorized by Library Administration during Library programs or special events, or in designated areas;
  • Entering into the Library with personal property, clothing or deficient personal hygiene resulting in the emission of a strong, noxious or offensive smell or odor disruptive to Library patrons and staff;
  • Entering the building without a shirt or other covering of their upper bodies, or without shoes or other footwear;
  • Engaging in the smoking of tobacco or other substances on Library premises;
  • Utilization of Library rest rooms (toilet room facilities) for inappropriate purposes such as bathing, laundering of clothing, shampooing of hair, and shaving;
  • Transporting onto Library premises more than two hand-carried handbags, each exceeding seventy (70) inches in combined height, width and length;
  • Placing on Library premises any personal property other than the preceding two hand-carried handbags inside or outside of the Library building;
  • Entering the Library while intoxicated by alcohol products or while impaired under the influence of drugs;
  • Harassing or annoying others through noisy or boisterous activities;
  • Staring at another person with the apparent intent to annoy that person;
  • Following another person about the building with the apparent intent to annoy that person;
  • Singing or talking to others or in monologues;
  • Behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons;
  • Raising of voices or excessive talking in the Library which interferes in other Library patrons’ quiet use and enjoyment of the Library facility;
  • Use of loud, abusive or threatening language;
  • Verbally abusing Library patrons or staff;
  • Disrupting Library functions or programs authorized by Library personnel;
  • Disrupting Library operations or Library staff in performance of official duties;
  • Sleeping in the Library or reclining on Library chairs;
  • Placing feet on furniture, sitting on tables, or rearranging furniture;
  • Using audio equipment without headphones or at a volume level that is audible to others;
  • Bringing animals into the Library unless necessary for assisting the disabled, and the animal is trained to assist the disabled;
  • Engaging in any business or proprietary activities with others on Library premises for which a person receives monetary compensation or in the solicitation of business or the sale of goods, products or services to others;
  • Posting on the Library’s Community Bulletin Board or displaying on Library premises any poster, placards or similar display for purposes of advertising or soliciting business or the advertising of a business or product without prior approval by the Library Director or Librarian-in-Charge;
  • Conveying onto Library premises any poster, placard, literature, display or personal property of any nature soliciting, advocating or advertising for the candidacy of any person for election to any public office in Library, School District, Town, County, State or national elections, or for the passage of any budget, proposition or referendum being voted upon at any Library, School District, Town, County, State or national election or district vote;
  • Distributing leaflets or literature of any nature for candidates to public office, or circulating petitions for such candidates within the Library or upon Library premises.

IV. Procedures

  1. While the Library facilities are open, the Library Director or his/her designees, in the first instance, shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules and regulations. Any violation thereof shall be immediately reported to the Library Director or his/her designee who shall thereupon immediately make inquiry of the facts and circumstances surrounding the complaint, and who may thereupon either direct the trespasser to cease and desist the violation or vacate the premises. Upon the refusal of such person to obey the directive of the Library Director or his/her designee, such Library Director or designee is hereby authorized and directed to make a complaint to the Malverne Police Department charging said trespasser with the appropriate violation of the Penal Law.  The Library Director shall forthwith make a report to the Board of Trustees.
  2. When the Library is not open to the public, or when the Library Director or his/her designees are not present, any Library employee is authorized and directed, upon observing and being informed of any violation of these rules and regulations, to make inquiry of the facts and circumstances surrounding the violation and any such employee may either direct the trespasser to cease and desist the violation or vacate the premises. Upon the refusal of  such person to obey the directive of the employee, such employee is hereby authorized and directed to make a complaint to the Malverne Police Department charging said violator with the appropriate violation of the Penal Law. Subsequently, such Library employee, at the first opportunity, shall make a written report of the facts and circumstances surrounding the enforcement of these rules and regulations to the Library Director.
  3. The Library shall indemnify and save harmless the Director, his/her designee, or any Library personnel, from any action, claim or proceeding instituted against such person arising out of the enforcement of these rules and regulations by such Library personnel.
  4. In addition to all of the foregoing summary remedies against the trespasser and/or person in violation of law and these rules and regulations, the Library Director may thereafter, in his/her sole discretion, take the following action with respect to the following categories of persons:

(a) Library patrons:  Residents of the Village of Malverne, the North Malverne Library Funding District and the North Lynbrook Library Funding District registered or qualified for registration as a borrower of Library books and materials may have their borrowing privileges and their licenses to enter upon Library premises suspended for a period not to exceed four years.

(b)  Library personnel:  Employees are subject to the applicable provisions of the Civil Service Law and Education Law and may be disciplined, censored, suspended without pay, or  discharged accordingly.

(c)  Visitors, licensees and invitees:  Such persons may be subject to the revocation of their licenses to enter upon Library property and borrowing privileges for a period not to exceed four years.

V. Appeal Procedure

  1. Appeals by Library patrons and registered borrowers of Library materials, and visitors, licensees and invitees, relating to suspension of borrowing privileges and revocation of their privileges to enter upon Library premises shall be made to the Board of Trustees. Appeals by Library personnel subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Law and Education Law may be made to the Board of Trustees.
  2. Each person, not an employee of the Library, shall have the right to submit a written notice of appeal to the Board of Trustees within thirty (30) days of any action of the Library Director suspending borrowing privileges and/or revoking their license to enter upon Library premises. The Board of Trustees, or their designee, shall convene a hearing within thirty (30) days of submission of such notice of appeal, at which time and place the aggrieved shall be afforded the opportunity to present evidence, testify and cross examine witnesses. Within thirty (30) days of such hearing, the Board of Trustees shall render a decision in writing either restoring the aggrieved person’s Library privileges or confirming the Library Director’s actions explaining the reasons for the continuance of the Director’s action.

Adopted: April 10, 2017

MEETING ROOM POLICY

  1. Permission for use of the Library meeting rooms as a limited public forum may be granted to Malverne-based groups and organizations whose purposes and programs are educational, cultural and/or civic and whose membership and attendees shall be comprised of a majority of residents serviced by the Malverne Public Library. Room reservations need to be booked by Malverne Residents. 
  2. The Library meeting rooms may be used during Library hours subject to availability, Events must be scheduled to end 30 minutes prior to the Library’s closing time. In general, they shall not be utilized more than once a month by any organization or group. The Director is authorized to approve exceptions. The Board may rescind permission for use of meeting rooms.
  3. The Library meeting rooms shall not be utilized by any organization or group which charges admission, solicits business, or otherwise obtains compensation or contributions of any nature, unless such organization or group is a an educational or cultural not-for-profit organization and has received prior approval of either the Board of Trustees or the Director.
  4. Applications for use of a meeting room may be obtained from the Library’s Administrative Office. Completed application forms must be approved by signature of the Director. Cancellation of a reservation must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Failure to do so may jeopardize future permission to use the rooms. Upon emergency closing, the Library automatically cancels all meetings.
  5. Permission for use of the meeting rooms will be granted to adults only. When a meeting room is to be used by individuals under the age of eighteen, the adult(s) in charge of the group shall be responsible for the conduct of the members of the group.
  6. All federal and State laws, local ordinances and rules of the Police and Fire Departments regarding public assemblies, and the provisions of this Policy, must be strictly obeyed.
  7. There will be no smoking or alcoholic beverages permitted in the building. Serving of refreshments requires prior approval of the Director. Complete clean up and removal of food and related materials is required at the end of the meeting.
  8. No pets or animals are allowed access except for service animals or animals that are part of a Library-sponsored program
  9. Meeting rooms shall be available in the order in which applications are received. The Library may cancel or reschedule meetings which conflict with the Library’s scheduling of Library-related or sponsored programs or meetings.
  10. In consideration of the use of meeting room facilities, each organization or group must agree that it will pay for all damage to any property of the Library resulting directly or indirectly from the conduct of any member, officer, employee or agent of the organization or group, or by any person in attendance; and that it will hold harmless and indemnify the Malverne Public Library and the Incorporated Village of Malverne from any and all liability which may be imposed upon them for injury to persons or damage to property caused by the organization or  any person in connection with the meeting room use.
  11. The Malverne Public Library shall assume no responsibility whatsoever for any property placed in the Library in connection with meeting room use, and the Malverne Public Library and the Incorporated Village of Malverne shall be expressly released and discharged from any and all liability for any loss, injury or damage to persons or property which may be sustained during or by reason of any use of the Library’s meeting rooms.
  12. Any accident, injury or property damage arising out of meeting room use, must be immediately reported to the Director or to the person in charge of the building at that time.
  13. Any meeting that requires physical activities must submit a Certificate of Insurance (and Endorsement to the Insurance Policy, if required by the   Library) naming the Malverne Public Library and the Incorporated Village of Malverne as additional insureds.
  14. Authorization for use of the Library meeting rooms shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Policy. Permission to use a meeting room shall not in any way constitute an endorsement by the Trustees or staff of the policies, beliefs or activities of the organization receiving such permission.
  15. The Library Director shall have authority to grant, refuse or revoke permission for use of the meeting room. Continued use of facilities by any group or organization is contingent upon observance of rules and regulations for use. Permission for future use may be withdrawn for infractions of the rules and regulations, or by reason of loud, boisterous behavior or other action or conduct which disrupts or interferes with library operations and the quiet use and enjoyment of library facilities by staff and library patrons.
  16. The Library Director, or designee, is authorized to order the termination of any meeting or activity making use of Library facilities in violation of any law or this Policy. The determination by said Library official is final. The Library Director, or designated representative, is authorized to call upon appropriate law enforcement agencies to enforce such action if, in the opinion of the Library official, circumstances warrant such an action. Future use of the meeting room may be denied or withdrawn to any group which violates any law or this Policy, or whose conduct and activities interfere with or disrupt Library operations or patrons’ quiet use and enjoyment of Library’s facilities.
  17. All meetings shall be open to the general public. The Library meeting rooms will not be used for meetings that are prohibited by the provisions of Section 414 of the Education Law, or those that are commercial in purpose or support, or to further an individual’s goals or for purely social functions.
  18. The sponsoring organization shall be responsible for its own publicity. Use of the meeting rooms by any group or organization does not constitute co-sponsorship by the Library. Neither the name nor the address of the Malverne Public Library may be used as the official address or headquarters of any organization. The sponsoring organization shall not use the Library’s name as co-sponsor in any press releases or any other publicity. A draft copy of press releases pertaining to scheduled use of the Library meeting room must be submitted for approval to the Director of the Library prior to publication.
  19. The meeting rooms must be left clean and orderly. The applicant or organization using the Library’s facilities assumes full responsibility for the preservation of order in the building, as well as liability for damage to or loss of Library property as a result of the meeting. The applicant further agrees to observe all the regulations of the Library Board of Trustees as they pertain to the meeting rooms.
  20. Any damages or required cleanup will be assessed at rates reasonable and customary to any group who uses the facility. No group may again use the facility until payment of any cost is received.

Adopted: Jan. 21, 2008 (Executive Board Meeting)
Amended: January 28, 2015
Amended: May 15, 2017
Amended: April 18 2022

MALVERNE PUBLIC LIBRARY – MUSEUM PASS USER AGREEMENT

1. Museum passes may be borrowed by adults 18 years or older with Malverne Public Library cards in good standing, who have signed this Museum Pass User Agreement.

2. Only one Museum pass per family may be borrowed at a time. The same family may not borrow a Malverne Public Library museum pass more than once in a 30-day period. Library staff may monitor usage to ensure fair access for the greatest number of patrons.

3. Passes can be reserved up to one month in advance on a first come, first served basis.

4. Reservations can be made in person, by phone (call the Circulation Desk at 599-0750) or through the Library’s reservation system at upgrade.malvernelibrary.org.

Borrowers are encouraged to visit the museum website for information regarding days & hours of operation, exhibits and special events, parking and directions.

5. Please call the Library to cancel your reservation if you are unable to pick up the pass on the reservation date. Failure to notify the Library may result in your reservation being cancelled the next day.

6. Passes may be borrowed for 2 days and are not renewable. Please return passes to the Circulation Desk. Passes may be placed in the book drop when the Library is closed.

7. A $10.00 per day fee is charged for passes returned after the due date. Additional fees, as set by the Board of Trustees of the Malverne Public Library, may apply in the event a pass is lost.

8. The Malverne Public Library assumes no liability whatsoever for damages or injuries arising out of patron use of Museum passes.

Please sign below to certify that you have received a copy of this agreement.

______________________________________________________________________
Signature of Cardholder Barcode # Date

Cradle of Aviation: pass admits 2 adults & 2 children; discounts at the museum store & IMAX theatre; not valid for special events – check www.cradleofaviation.org for details.

Empire Pass: pass admits occupants of one vehicle to New York State parks and recreational facilities; check www.parks.ny.gov for details.

Old Westbury Gardens: pass admits 2 adults & accompanying children; discounts at the store and gift shop; check www.oldwestburygardens.org for special hours & events.

Long Island Children’s Museum: pass admits 4 people (minimum 1 adult & 1 child); not valid for special events – check www.licm.org for special hours & events.

Nassau County Firefighters Museum: pass admits 4 people; check www.ncfiremuseum.org for hours and events.

Approved: October 16, 2017; Revised: June 18, 2018

Tutoring is allowed in the Malverne Public Library in accordance with this policy.

  • Tutoring is allowed only at the tables designated for tutors, currently in the Adult Reading Room and Young Adult areas.
  • The Library may, at any time, change the area designated for tutoring.
  • Library tables seat four people. A tutor and student are required to leave one half of the table free for use by other patrons.
  • Library staff may ask tutoring to cease if space being used is needed for other Library purposes.
  • The Library is not obligated to accommodate any tutor.
  • Tutors are permitted to work with only one student at a time.
  • Tutors and students must bring their own supplies.
  • Tutors may not solicit Library patrons on Library property.
  • The Library is not a classroom or office space, but rather a community workplace. The exchange of money for tutoring services on Library property is strictly prohibited.
  • Tutors may not publish or distribute advertisements for their services on Library property identifying the Library as their place of doing business, nor may they in any way imply Library sponsorship of their activities.
  • Tutors and their students must comply with existing policies governing behavior in the Library.
  • The Library does not sponsor, recommend, or assume liability or responsibility for the work and/or activities of the tutors and students who use available Library space.

Approved: March 19, 2018

The Malverne Public Library welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services.

Visits to the Library should be positive, enjoyable experiences for children. Their safety and well-being is of the utmost importance.

Responsibility for the behavior and well being of children using the Library rests with the parent/guardian, not with the Library’s staff.  Caretaker must be at least 16 years old.

These rules and guidelines are for the protection of all who use the Malverne Public Library.

The Library Staff will require a patron to leave the premises, summon the Malverne Police Department, or ultimately suspend a patron’s privilege to enter the Library for non-compliance with this policy.

Definitions:

Unattended Child: An unattended child is any child under the age of 12 using the Library facility unaccompanied by a responsible person, or left alone in one part of the Library while the responsible person is in another.

Vulnerable Child: A vulnerable child is a child under the age of 12 whose safety or well-being could be endangered either in the building, or under circumstances where the child leaves the building unaccompanied by a responsible person.

Parents/Guardians – Remember:

  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • Under no circumstances should parents assume that children are always safe in a Library. Libraries are public buildings, open to any and all members of society.
  • The Library and its staff are not responsible for the safety, care, supervision, or entertainment of unattended children.

Staff Procedures with Unattended and/or Vulnerable Children

Library staff will use their judgment and discretion in determining whether or not a child is unattended and/or vulnerable.

During the Library’s Open Hours:

If a child is left unattended and/or vulnerable Library staff will:

  • Reassure the child;
  • Attempt to locate the responsible person within the Library;
  • Caution the responsible person and/or parent about leaving children unsupervised in the Library.

If a parent/guardian cannot be located in the Library, the staff will attempt to contact him by phone, requesting immediate pick up of his child.

If there is no response, or if the child has not been picked up within 15 minutes, staff will summon the Malverne Police Department.

At Closing Time:

When visiting the Library without an adult, any child must have made arrangements to be picked up prior to closing time.

If a child is left unattended at closing, and a parent/guardian cannot be reached, the Malverne Police Department will be summoned.

Two staff members will wait with the child until the Malverne Police Department arrives. An incident report describing the situation will be filed and given to the Library Director.

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees on January 27, 2017

Amended: September 22, 2020

The policy of the camera for the MALVERNE community     

The Malverne Public Library enriches our community by providing unlimited opportunities for information, education, inspiration and imagination. To complete this mission, the library must offer a welcoming, open atmosphere and provide a quiet, comfortable, and safe environment where people can use library facilities and collections for intended purposes to the maximum extent possible.   

Purpose of Security Cameras The purpose of the security system is to enhance the safety and security of library users, staff, and property.  This policy is in force to deter public endangerment, vandalism, and mischief  in unsupervised areas and to identify those individuals involved in such activity for law enforcement purposes, while adhering to the applicable federal, state and local law concerning the confidentiality of library records, the disclosure of public records, and the protection of individual privacy. The library’s security camera system will be used only for the protection and safety of library visitors, employees, assets, and property, and to identify persons breaking the law or violating the library’s Code of Conduct.  Staff and visitor safety is the first priority in any threatening situation.  The protection of Library property is of secondary importance. 

Public Notice: Signage Signage will be posted at the library entrance at all times, informing the public that security cameras are in use.  

Security Camera Locations Cameras may be installed in locations where individuals lack a reasonable expectation of privacy. Examples include common areas of the library such as entrances, near book and media collections, public seating areas, public computers, and areas prone to theft or misconduct. Cameras will not be installed in areas of the library where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms or private offices.   Nor are they positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing, or listening activities in the library.   

Security The library has no obligation to monitor the cameras in real time. As the cameras are not constantly monitored, Library staff and the public should continue to take appropriate precautions for their safety and for the safety of their personal property. The library is not responsible for the loss of property or personal injury. 

Data Storage Video records and still photographs may be used by authorized individuals to identify those responsible for library policy violations, criminal activity on library property or actions considered disruptive to normal library operations as delineated in the Library Code of Conduct. Access to the archival footage in pursuit of documented incidents of injury, criminal activity or violation of the Library’s Code of Conduct is restricted to designated Library staff.  Cameras are not continuously monitored. However, circumstances including reports of policy violations, suspected criminal activity, and destruction or theft of library resources may require such monitoring to occur.   Recorded data is confidential and secured in a controlled area. Recordings will typically be stored for no more than 7 days, unless required as part of an ongoing investigation.  As new images are recorded, the oldest images will be automatically deleted. 

Access to Archived Footage Access to the archived footage in pursuit of documented incidents of criminal activity or violation of the Library’s Code of Conduct is restricted to designated staff: Library Administration and Information Technology staff. For investigations initiated by law enforcement agencies, recorded data will be made available to law enforcement upon presentation of a valid court order or subpoena establishing probable cause to review the data.  However, in emergency situations that present imminent danger of physical harm, law enforcement may gain access without a court order.  In such imminent danger emergencies where law enforcement calls for a waiver of the court order, the requesting officer is required to provide his/her name, agency, badge number, the nature of the emergency, and the extent of data requested.  In situations involving banned patrons, stored still images may be shared with library staff.  Shared images may remain posted in restricted staff areas for the duration of the banning period.   General Public Requesting Access to Security Camera Footage Confidentiality/privacy issues prohibit the general public from viewing camera footage that contains patron information. If the library receives a request from the general public to inspect security camera footage which contains patron information, they will be advised to complete a Surveillance Video Request Form. 

Privacy In all other respects, recorded data will be accorded the same level of confidentiality and protection provided to library users by New York State law, Malverne Public Library policies, and the American Library Association policies on confidentiality and  The Library disclaims any liability for use of the video data in accordance with the terms of this policy, given that the library is a public facility and the security cameras shall be limited to those areas where patrons and/or staff have no reasonable expectation of privacy. Only the Library Director, her designee, Security and Technology Services Staff may review surveillance recordings. Footage is stored digitally on a computer that is secured in a controlled area and is kept for a maximum of 7 days where technologically possible. Confidentiality / privacy issues prohibit viewing by the general public.

Law enforcement may be supplied with live shots/recordings in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and pursuant to the receipt of a proper legal request. The requirement of a proper legal request may be waived by the Library Director.

As appropriate, images may be shared with the Nassau Cooperative Library System and its member libraries.

American Library Association

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  • 61 St. Thomas Place, Malverne, NY 11565
  • (516) 599-0750

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