Purpose
This policy provides guidance and direction when members of the public “casually” (informal and non-commercial) photograph, record or film library spaces, staff, and other members of the public within library spaces.
Photography and filming, as described below, is allowed to the extent that it does not interfere with the provision of library services and is consistent with Library Policy, the library’s mission statement, and Code of Conduct.
The library is a designated public forum when it comes to First Amendment rights. In these spaces, we recognize our obligation consistent with the First Amendment to allow activities that relate to the mission of the library. Conversely, other activities, such as the right to photograph, record or film, can be restricted if they interfere with library functions or operations.
Library customers should be able to use library services without fear that their identity, location, or library resources used will be published or made public.
Policy
Parties “casually” (informal and non-commercial) photographing, recording or filming within Sacramento Public Library spaces are allowed pursuant to the First Amendment if it does not:
- Interfere with or otherwise disrupt the Library’s operations or services.
- Violate the library’s Code of Conduct, including communicating and treating other individuals with respect.
- Interfere with the safety of staff and/or library patrons, including conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile environment or that interferes with work of library staff or affects employees, library volunteers, library customers, general public, library vendors, contractors, or their property.
- Violate the privacy of individuals within library spaces, including information about library users or materials being borrowed from the library.
- Capture video or audio recording of a private conversation or phone call when there is a reasonable expectation of privacy without the consent of all parties involved in the conversation.
- Capture images, video, or audio in an area within the library where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including a restroom.
- Regulations and Requirements
- Photographing and/or filming of minors is prohibited without the permission of their parent or legal guardian.
- All filming or photography must be done with handheld devices, without tripods, additional lighting, or ancillary equipment due to safety hazards.
- Requests to use ancillary equipment can be done through a Commercial Filming Request.
- See the Commercial Filming Policy and Procedure for more information.
- Library furniture cannot be moved without permission.
- Public filming or photography is not permitted in staff-only work spaces without written consent from the Library Director or designee.
- The library cannot prevent and is not responsible for incidental filming or photography of library visitors or patrons in public spaces. “Public spaces” excludes staff-only work spaces, restrooms, or other areas where visitors or patrons have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- The library reserves the right to deny permission for photography, filming, and audio-recording.
- The library reserves the right to ask for the removal of any images, audio recordings, and/or films of library spaces, users, or staff from social media or websites.
- Commercial Filming
- To request the use of a library space for amateur or professional filming/photography for commercial use, see the Commercial Filming Policy. Individuals who photograph and/or film commercially:
- Must adhere to the Commercial Filming Policy.
- Must honor requests from individuals who do not wish to be included in any photography or filming.
- Have the sole responsibility for obtaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who consent to being photographed and/or filmed.
- Are prohibited from photographing and/or filming minors without the permission of their parent or legal guardian.
Definions
The terms “photograph” or “photography”, “recording” or “filming” are used generally and refer to any method including photography, filming, audio recording, video recording or any other process of still, moving image, audio, or audiovisual capturing in any method, including digital or electronic means, used now or in the future, including emerging technologies.
Public spaces: spaces of Sacramento Public Library shall include the following:
- Central Library (828 I Street) and related outdoor library space
- Buildings designated as branch libraries and related outdoor space
- Sacramento Room and Tsakopolous Library Galleria
- Buildings and locations designated as interim libraries or public program locations
- Public meetings such as library board or other library community outreach activities
- Bookmobiles and kiosks
- All other property and facilities assigned to or owned by the library
Staff-only work spaces: specific areas within the spaces of Sacramento Public Library that are restricted to authorized personnel only.
Policy established on December 9, 2024