Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

Library Account Information

When you register for a library card or use our services, we collect:

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Date of birth (for age verification)
• Library card number
• Borrowing history and checkout records
• Holds, requests, and reservations
• Program registrations and event attendance
• Payment information for fines and fees

Website Usage Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of visits
• Geographic location (general area, not precise)

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences, analyze website traffic, improve functionality, and deliver relevant content.

We use the following third-party services:

• Google Analytics – to understand how visitors use our website
• LibCal (Springshare) – for event registration and room booking
• Social media platforms – when you interact with our social media content

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit some website features.

Information You Provide Voluntarily

We collect information when you register for programs, subscribe to our newsletter, submit forms or surveys, contact us, participate in community activities, or use public computers or Wi-Fi.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to provide library services, process checkouts and holds, send notifications, register you for programs, communicate library news, respond to your questions, improve our services, comply with legal obligations, and maintain library statistics in aggregate, anonymized form.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

Service Providers: We work with trusted third-party vendors (library management systems, event platforms, email services, payment processors, website hosting) who are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, such as in response to a valid court order or subpoena, to comply with legal processes, to protect the safety of library users and staff, or to enforce library policies.

Interlibrary Loan: When you request materials from other libraries, we share necessary information with those institutions to fulfill your request.

Aggregate Data: We may share anonymized, aggregate statistics about library usage for reporting, grant applications, or research purposes. This data cannot identify individual users.

Children’s Privacy

We are committed to protecting children’s privacy. For users under 18, parental consent is required for library card registration, parents/guardians may review their child’s library records, we collect only the minimum information necessary, and we comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information and library records
• Update your account information at any time
• Request deletion of your account (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt out of marketing emails (while still receiving essential account notifications)
• Limit data collection by adjusting browser cookie settings
• Request a copy of information we hold about you

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@marthalibertlibrary.org or visit the circulation desk.

Data Retention

Borrowing Records: Circulation records are typically deleted once materials are returned and any associated fines are paid, in accordance with library policy and state law.

Account Information: When you close your account, we retain basic information for a limited period as required by law or library policy.

Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures including secure servers and encrypted connections (SSL/TLS), access controls and authentication, regular security audits and updates, staff training on privacy and confidentiality, and physical security measures for facilities and records.

However, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted online.

Library Records Confidentiality

In accordance with New Mexico library confidentiality laws, library records are confidential and will not be disclosed except to persons acting within the scope of their duties in library administration, by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or with the written consent of the library user.

Library staff are trained to protect patron confidentiality and will not disclose what you read, view, or listen to, what you search for online, your borrowing history, or your program attendance.

Public Computer and Wi-Fi Use

When using library computers or Wi-Fi, your internet activity may be logged for security purposes. We do not monitor specific websites visited or content accessed. You are responsible for maintaining your own privacy when using public devices. We recommend clearing browser history and logging out after use. Understand that public Wi-Fi is not completely secure.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website, updating the “Last Updated” date, and sending email notifications for material changes (if you’ve subscribed). Your continued use of library services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information:

Martha Liebert Public Library
124 Calle Malinche
Bernalillo, NM 87004
Phone: (505) 867-1440
Email: info@marthalibertlibrary.org