Wisconsin State Statute 43.30 and the Whitefish Bay Public Library protect the privacy of library users. Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, and to materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired, and includes database search records, reference interviews, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. This requires the corresponding right to hear what is spoken and read what is written, free from fear of intrusion, intimidation, or reprisal. Confidentiality is essential to protect the exercise of these rights from invasions of privacy.

The Whitefish Bay Public Library is an impartial resource providing information on all points of view, available to all persons regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, social or political views, economic status, or any other characteristic.

The Whitefish Bay Public Library requires a parent or guardian to sign library card registration of a child under 16 years of age. The Library supports the right of that parent or guardian to have access to the child’s library record, and the issuance of a card grants consent to parental access. The parent or guardian is ultimately responsible for the materials checked out by that child. At age 16, a child may sign for a library card on his/her own. However, the parent or guardian is still responsible for all fines and fees incurred by that child until the child turns 18 years of age.

Information about any patron or materials they have checked out or requested will NOT be given over the phone.

The Whitefish Bay Public Library recognizes that law enforcement agencies and officers may occasionally believe that library records contain information that would be helpful to the investigation of criminal activity. If there is a reasonable basis to believe such records are necessary to the progress of an investigation or prosecution, our judicial system provides the mechanism for seeking release of such confidential records. The issuance of a court order, following a showing of good cause based on specific facts by a court of competent jurisdiction, is required for release of such information. In the case of a federal investigation, the Patriot Act allows federal officials access to confidential records without court order or subpoena.

Whitefish Bay Public Library Confidentiality Policy Approved by the Whitefish Bay Library Board of Trustees October 10, 2006. Revised and approved by the Whitefish Bay Library Board of Trustees April 8, 2014.