As librarians we have a professional obligation to respect the right to privacy for all of our library users. New Hampshire Law protects your right to privacy so that others cannot know how you use library services and materials. We ask for your cooperation in helping protect the rights of all library users, including children.

Materials On Hold: We can only give out titles of materials on hold to the person who placed the hold. If you plan to pick up an item on hold for another patron, you must present their library card at the time of checkout.

Renewals: You may renew materials for another person by phone or in person, but we can only let you know the number of items and the types of items being renewed.

Overdue Materials and Fines: We can only give out titles of overdue materials to the person who has borrowed them. Overdue notices will be mailed to the person who has borrowed the materials, including children. Once the notice arrives at the patron’s home, the parent may intervene if they so choose. You may pay fines for another patron, but we can only tell you the amount of the fines and the number of items with fines. We encourage you to request a printed receipt of the materials that you borrow. This receipt can be kept in a visible location in your home for reference.

The Amherst Town Library collects personally identifiable information only when necessary for the fulfillment of the mission of the library.

In compliance with NH RSA 201-D:11 personal information and/or records of library activity shall be released only as provided for in this policy.

1. Application must be made to the Library Director or her designee.

2. The Director shall consult with Chairman of the Board of Trustees or his designee and the legal counsel of the Town of Amherst.

3. The request for information must be accompanied by a court order in proper form that has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction after showing good cause by the law enforcement agency or person seeking the recorded information.

back to top