402 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 772-1544
| Monday | 2:00-5:00 |
| Tuesday | 9:30 - 8:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:30 - 5:00 |
| Thursday | 9:30 - 5:00 |
| Friday | 9:30 - 5:00 |
| Saturday | 9:00 - 1:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
The Library respects the right of library users to privacy and confidentiality, in accordance with Mass. General Laws, Chapter 78, Section 7, which states that circulation and registration records identifying the names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of library users, and the materials borrowed, are not public records. The intellectual pursuits of individuals using library materials or library computers is considered confidential information.
In accord with the law, the policy of the Greenfield Public Library is not to reveal the borrowing records, reserves or fine records to any person other than the owner of the library card. However the Greenfield Library does recognize that it may be necessary for a parent or legal guardian to be provided with information about his or her child’s library records (for example, when a child’s library materials have incurred fines, or the materials have been misplaced). In these cases, the parent or legal guardian who is financially responsible for the child’s library materials will be supplied with a list of items that are currently signed out to the child.
All persons, including young adults, who wish their library borrowing to remain private are advised to obtain a PIN (Personal Identification Number) at the library, so that they can access their borrowing record privately at a library or online home computer.
The library also respects the rights of users to privacy and confidentiality in their use of Internet computers. The library will not release the names of persons using Internet computers or information accessed on the web or via electronic databases by members of the public, except as required by law.
No records can be made available to any inquiries, governmental or otherwise, unless (1) a subpoena has been served by a court of competent jurisdiction and the library administration has consulted with Town Counsel to determine if it is proper to release the requested information, or (2) a search warrant has been issued under the Foreign Intellingence Surveillance Act, which is immediately executable. (See also Library Policy & Procedures in Response to the USA Patriot Act of 2001.)
Library staff should refer all formal requests for circulation or registration records to the Director.
Adopted by the Board of Library Trustees, April 9, 2002.