Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for photography, filming, and audio recording in the Library to protect patron privacy, ensure a safe and welcoming environment and support the Library’s mission of open access to information. 

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals and organizations using Library facilities, including patrons, staff, volunteers, media and third-party groups.

General Principles

• The Library is a public space; however, libraries are limited public forums.  Patrons have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their use of Library facilities and resources. 

• Photography and audio-visual recording must not disrupt Library operations, interfere with patrons’ use of services, or violate Library rules. 

• Compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws—including Virginia privacy laws—is required. 

• Library staff may intervene if photography appears to target minors inappropriately or is causing a disruption to patrons or staff. 

Casual Photography, Audio-Visual Recording by Patrons

• Patrons may take photos or short recordings for personal, non-commercial use. 

• Individuals should avoid capturing identifiable images of other patrons without their consent, especially minors. 

• Photography and audio-visual recording is not permitted in areas where privacy is expected (e.g., restrooms, designated private meeting rooms when occupied). 

Commercial Photography, Audio-Visual Recording & Media Requests

Non-Library/County organizations wishing to take photographs or audio-visual recordings at any Arlington Public Library location must coordinate with the Library’s communication team by emailing libcomms@arlingtonva.us.

Requests must include:

• Purpose and scope of the project
• Dates, times and locations requested
• Equipment and personnel involved

Library-Sponsored Photography and Audio-Visual Recording

• The Library may photograph or take audio-visual recordings of events, programs, and public spaces for promotional, educational and archival purposes.

• Photographs and/or audio-visual recordings containing the image and/or voice of minors may be used in the production of instructional and/or promotional materials produced by or on behalf of the library.

• Programs or events sponsored by the Library may be photographed or captured in audio-visual recordings by the Library’s staff or its representatives. Attendance at an Arlington Public Library-sponsored program or event constitutes the consent of all attendees, and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, or other use of photographs or audio-visual recordings at the sole discretion of Arlington Public Library.

• To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual or the guardian of a minor.

• If a customer does not want the Library to use a photo or video of them or of their child, they must inform the Library staff member who is coordinating the event or the photographer/audio-visual recording personnel capturing the event.

Protection of Minors

• Photography or audio-visual recording where identifiable individual minors are the primary focus requires consent from a parent or legal guardian.

• Staff may intervene if photography or audio-visual recording appears to target minors inappropriately.

Prohibited Activities

Photography or audio-visual recording that:

• Harasses, intimidates or threatens patrons or staff
• Captures confidential information (e.g., computer screens, personal documents)
• Disrupts Library services or violates the Library’s Rules of Conduct
• Uses tripods, lighting equipment or large setups without prior approval
• Captures restricted or staff-only areas without permission

Enforcement

Library staff may:

• Ask individuals to cease photography or audio-visual recording that violates this policy
• Request deletion of images taken in violation of policy where appropriate
• Ask individuals to leave the premises for non-compliance
• Repeated or serious violations may result in suspension of Library privileges.