Basic Rights Policies

Glen Ellyn Public Library upholds the individual’s right of access to the reading, viewing, and listening materials of their choice, the freedom to read, view, or listen to these materials and the freedom to enjoy these basic rights in the absence of external pressure or oversight by those who would obstruct free choice.

In fulfillment of its obligation to safeguard these rights, Glen Ellyn Public Library subscribes to the following American Library Association statements:

• Bill of Rights
• Freedom to Read
• Freedom to View
• Code of Ethics

Glen Ellyn Public Library follows State law regarding public access to its registration and circulation records. (75 ILCS 70/1 Library Records Confidentiality Act, Registration and Circulation Records – Statistical Reports).

Cardholder information will not be disclosed to anyone except by court order or to a law enforcement officer if there is imminent danger of physical harm. The library will seek legal advice before any confidential information is released.

Any requests or problems relating to the privacy of records which are not provided for above are to be referred to the Library Director and if the Library Director deems necessary, to the library Board, the American Library Association, the Illinois Secretary of State, and the Attorney General.

The library may provide guidelines to help staff comply with the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act.

The policy with Regard to the Collection, Use, Disclosure and Protection of Individuals’ Social Security Numbers is intended to comply with Public Act 96-0874 of the State of Illinois, cited as the Identity Protection Act (“Act”).

This policy does not supersede any more restrictive law, rule, or regulation regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of social security numbers.

It is the intent of the Board of Trustees of Glen Ellyn Public Library to comply with the requirements and provisions of the Freedom of Information Act of the State of Illinois. In order to implement this law, it is necessary for the library to maintain and provide appropriate accessibility to library records covered by the law.

It will be the responsibility of the Library Director to provide for the proper administration of this policy and to develop and implement standardized procedures relating to public library records.

Glen Ellyn Public Library will cooperate with Law Enforcement Officials to allow access to items within the scope of the Search Warrant while at the same time seeking to protect the rights of patrons in accordance with the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/1-2)

Designated Library Official (DLO)

The Library Director will handle all requests to search library records pursuant to a Search Warrant. In the absence of the Library Director, the individuals holding the following staff positions will respond to the Search Warrant:

• Library Services Director
• Adult Director
• Youth Director
• Materials Processing Manager
• Finance/HR Director

Identify Serving Officer

The DLO will request identification form the Law Enforcement Officials and record their names, badge numbers and agencies.

Review Warrant for Content

The DLO will review the Search Warrant when served and will contact library legal counsel for consultation concerning the scope of the Warrant and compliance procedures.
Library Legal Counsel Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins (312) 984-6400

• Dennis Walsh
• Kenneth Friker

Request the Presence of Library Legal Counsel

The DLO will ask the Law Enforcement Officials to wait until the library Legal Counsel is present before beginning the search.

Cooperate with Officials

The DLO will cooperate with Law Enforcement Officials to help identify the records/evidence falling within the scope of the Search Warrant.

No Access to Other Records

The DLO will not permit access to records beyond the scope of the Search Warrant, i.e. records not specifically identified in the Search Warrant.

Record Evidence Viewed or Taken

The DLO will record all records or evidence viewed, copied, or removed from the library pursuant to the search. The searching Officer will be asked to sign a statement verifying this record. Refusal by the searching Officer to verify their actions, in writing, will be noted.

No Disclosure of Search

No person will disclose the receipt of the Search Warrant or the search to anyone except the Library Director and/or library Legal Counsel.

Provide the Policy

To assist the Law Enforcement Officials a copy of this Search Warrant Policy will be provided promptly to the Officials upon their arrival at the library.

The library’s presence on social media platforms helps disseminate information about and facilitates discussion of library programs and services and relevant community events.

As a result, the library’s social media accounts are a limited public forum. The library will review all comments and posts for appropriate content. Any comments or posts containing the following are considered in violation of the library Code of Conduct and will be removed by library staff:

• Obscene, sexual, or pornographic content or language
• Content that promotes discrimination on the basis of race, age, religion, or gender
• Threats to any person
• Conduct that violates any federal, state, or local law or encourages illegal activity
• Promotion of any commercial activities
• Spam, links, or malware
• Advocation for or against a candidate, referendum, or campaign

By posting content on any library social media site, you agree to abide by the above rules.

Public libraries in Illinois, as community institutions, are guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, equity, and access to information for all residents. A Societal Statement policy provides a framework for when and how the library will engage with and respond to public issues, ensuring its actions align with its core mission. Such a policy helps the library maintain its role as a trusted, neutral space while transparently communicating its values to the community.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear and consistent framework for when and how the Glen Ellyn Public Library will communicate its position on significant societal issues. This policy ensures that societal statements are aligned with the library’s mission and core values and are issued transparently and consistently.

Guiding principles

A societal statement may be warranted when:

• The issue aligns directly with the library’s mission and values, and
• The event affects the community the library serves, and
• The library can respond authentically, constructively, and consistently, and
• The absence of a response would undermine trust, inclusion, or the perception of safety.

If the Executive Director believes that a societal statement is warranted, they may appoint an internal Review Team to draft the statement. All societal statements made by or on behalf of Glen Ellyn Public Library shall adhere to the following principles:

1. Alignment with core values: Societal statements must directly relate to the library’s mission to provide equitable access to information and to protect intellectual freedom and the freedom to read.
2. Objectivity and neutrality: As a public institution, the library does not take partisan political stances. The library’s focus is on the principles of access, freedom, and equity that underpin librarianship, not on specific political parties or candidates.
3. Fact-based communication: All societal statements will be based on verifiable facts and established library principles, including the American Library Association (ALA) Library Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics, and Illinois Library Association (ILA) policies.
4. Inclusivity: Societal statements should reflect the library’s commitment to serving all community members, regardless of their background, beliefs, or affiliations.

Scope

This policy applies to all societal statements issued by the library, including but not limited to societal statements made

• In official press releases
• On the library website
• In official social media posts from library-managed accounts
• In comments by the Board of Trustees or Executive Director acting in their official capacity

This policy does not apply to personal statements made by individual staff members or trustees, provided those individuals do not represent their personal views as official library positions.

Statement review and authorization

To ensure consistency and alignment with policy, the following process will be followed for issuing societal statements:

1. Initial Review: Any potential societal statement will be reviewed by a designated internal Review Team, which may include the Executive Director, representatives from the Management Team, and the President of the Board of Trustees.
2. Alignment assessment: The Review Team will assess how the issue relates to the library’s mission, collections, programs, or operations. The potential impact on community relations and staff will also be considered.
3. Approval: Only the Executive Director or a majority of the Board of Trustees is authorized to approve and issue an official public societal statement.
4. Post-publication review: The Executive Director will report on all public societal statements issued on behalf of the library at the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees or sooner.

Social media guidelines

Library-managed social media accounts are a tool for communicating official library information. User comments are moderated according to a separate Social Media Comment policy. The library will not use its official social media channels to endorse specific political stances but will use them to affirm library values and principles, such as intellectual freedom and equitable access.

Employee conduct and communication

Library employees are encouraged to be aware of how their online and offline presence may be perceived by the public. When expressing personal views on social issues, employees are expected to do so respectfully and to clarify that they are not speaking on behalf of the library. Employees should refer all media inquiries regarding societal issues to the Executive Director or their designated communication contact.

Policy review

This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees every three years to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and in compliance with all relevant laws and professional guidelines.