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Security Camera Policy

Purpose

The Lebanon Public Libraries strive to offer a welcoming atmosphere for all, and at the same time recognize both the need to maintain a safe environment and the fundamental right to privacy of individuals using library services. Toward that purpose this policy establishes guidelines for the use of external security cameras at library facilities for the purpose of enhancing the security of the Library and its patrons, serving as a deterrent to crime and vandalism and assisting in investigating following security incidents.

Camera Placement Guidelines

  • Cameras will be placed on building exteriors, in parking lots and parking areas, and outdoor public spaces on library property. Cameras will not be placed inside library buildings.
  • Camera placement and use will balance security purposes and patron privacy consistent with New Hampshire library confidentiality statutes. Security cameras are not intended for monitoring regular patron behavior, activities or library use patterns. Cameras will not knowingly be positioned to view interior spaces, including lobbies and vestibules visible through doorways; areas where library materials or computer screens might be visible, i.e., not positioned to identify a person's reading, viewing or listening activities in the library; or residential or public properties adjacent to library grounds.
  • Signs will be posted at library entrances and on library property informing the public that video surveillance is taking place.

Recording, Monitoring, and Retention

  • Cameras will record continuously during all hours (24/7). Cameras will record video and not audio. Recordings will contain date and time stamps.
  • Video feeds are not monitored in real time. Patrons should take appropriate precautions for their safety and the security of their personal items.
  • Only designated library staff will monitor security cameras.
  • Security camera video footage will be stored and may be retained for up to thirty (30) days or until storage capacity has been reached, whichever period is shorter.
  • Recordings are automatically overwritten after the retention period unless preserved for investigative purposes.
  • Extended retention may occur for the following reasons:
    • Law enforcement requests preservation for an ongoing investigation
    • The Library documents an incident requiring video evidence
    • Civil or criminal legal proceedings require preservation

Access, Use, and Disclosure

  • Access to camera footage is strictly limited to: the Library Director, the Deputy Director, law enforcement officials with proper legal authority, and IT staff for technical maintenance only (no viewing of footage except as necessary for system function). Images may be shared with appropriate library staff to identify person(s) suspended from library property or for suspected criminal activity.
  • Recorded footage is considered confidential in accordance with New Hampshire RSA 201-D:11 (Library User Records Confidentiality) and constitutional privacy protections.
  • Permissible uses of video footage include investigating specific security incidents or crimes, responding to valid law enforcement requests, addressing liability claims or legal proceedings, or facility safety assessments.
  • Prohibited uses include monitoring employee performance, tracking patron library use patterns, general surveillance of patron activities, or any purpose inconsistent with security and safety.
  • Video clips or images may voluntarily be shared with appropriate library staff and/or law enforcement to identify people trespassed from library property or for suspected criminal behavior.
  • Video images may be shared with law enforcement upon their request when presented with a valid search warrant, court order or subpoena.
  • The Library Director (or designee) shall review all requests for disclosure of video footage. Legal counsel may be consulted for complex requests. Documentation will be required for all releases to law enforcement. Notification will be given to affected individuals where legally permissible.
  • If footage necessary for investigation contains information inconsistent with NH RSA 201-D:11 the library shall work with law enforcement and legal counsel to redact or limit disclosure to protect patron privacy.
  • Security camera footage will not be shared with the public. If a member of the public wishes to view footage, they are advised to file a police report.

Oversight

  • The library will maintain logs documenting: all access to recorded footage (who, when, what footage, purpose), all releases of footage to third parties, all security incidents involving the camera system, and annual system reviews and maintenance by the installer or library IT staff.
  • The Board of Trustees in conjunction with the Library Director will review this policy no less than once per calendar year to ascertain security camera effectiveness and to remain abreast of advances in surveillance technology and the legal environment.
  • Complaints regarding privacy concerns may be directed to the Library Director (preferred primary contact) or the Library Board of Trustees.
  • Amendments to this policy require Library Board of Trustees approval.

Approved by: Lebanon Public Libraries Board of Trustees

Adopted: November 25, 2025

This policy aims to align with New Hampshire RSA 201-D:11 protecting library user confidentiality and constitutional privacy rights while maintaining reasonable security measures.