As a public space, those who visit the library can have no legal expectation of privacy. That said, the library has these basic guidelines for photographers, whether professional or amateur:
- The taking of photographs or videos must not interfere with anyone’s enjoyment of the library.
- The photographer will honor the requests by anyone in the library who does not wish to be photographed or recorded.
- Minors may not be photographed or recorded without the consent of a parent or guardian, except by library staff during library-sponsored programs and except incidentally in group or crowd photos.
- The use of tripods, stand-alone lighting equipment and microphones or other accessories is not permitted without the permission of the Library Director.
Library staff members may terminate any photo or video sessions they determine to be in violation of the above guidelines or inconsistent with public safety. Library staff reserves the right to stop anyone from taking photographs or recordings if it compromises a patron or staff member’s right to privacy, results in disruption of normal library operation, is deemed to be harassing, intimidating, or threatening toward a patron or staff member, or if the activity blocks walkways, doors, or stairways. Taking photographs and recordings of the exterior building and grounds does not require permission but the activity may not impede the ingress or egress to or from the library building or property.
Any persons filming or photographing on library premises have sole responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed. The library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases.
Photography by the Library
The Abington Township Public Library frequently engages 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 is taking place. Please notify a library staff member if you do not want to be photographed or recorded.
Photography and Recording by Program Partners
Program presenters or partners at library events may use photos or recordings taken during these events in promotional material. If one of the library’s partner organizations intends to arrange for a video or audio recording of an event that is scheduled to take place within the library, this request should be made at least five business days in advance to the Library Director. Note that even when permission to record a program is granted, the photographing and recording of minors who attend such programs is not permitted.