Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

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Public Use of Camera and/or Video in Public Domain

This policy ensures the public’s taking of photos and videos in Library facilities do not interfere with library business or the public’s use of the library.

This policy speaks to photos and videos that can be taken with multiple types of devices including but not limited to cameras, video recorders, cellular devices, phones, tablets, and computers.

The Pierce County Library System is a public place and as such, the public may take photographs or videos in the public areas of the library. Individuals should have no expectation of privacy in the public areas of the library. Photography and videotaping are not permitted at Library facilities and/or Library grounds when doing so violates an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy and takes place in a location where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as bathrooms, offices, staff only workspaces, and designated non-public areas of the library).   

Photography and/or videotaping are permitted at Library classes and events provided that it is not disruptive.

Library staff may stop any photography or video recording that appears to interfere with a customer’s use of the library or Library System’s ability to conduct business, compromises public safety or security, results in the intimidation or harassment of library employees, or instigates any behaviors or activities defined as unacceptable by the Library Rules of Conduct.

Community organizations holding scheduled events or meetings in the Library’s study, conference, or meeting rooms may arrange for their own photography or video recording of their event.

Photos and/or video of specific, copyrighted (or otherwise protected) library materials for the purpose of redistribution is prohibited.

The Library System reserves the right to document its services and the public's use of the Library by taking photographs and making video or audio recordings of its programs, classes and events, activities and their participants for use in communications such as print and online communications, news media relations, advertising, social media, or other communication materials.

The Library System welcomes news media photographers and reporters documenting stories or projects that directly involve the Library and its programs, classes and events, resources, and/or services, provided that notice is given and approved, concurrent with the Library System’s (News) Media policy, the public use of the Library is not impeded, and the provisions of this policy are followed.

No commercial photography or recording in Library facilities is permissible without the express permission of the Library System, which shall set forth the conditions under which the photography or recording may take place.

Updated March 8, 2021

Library Rules of Conduct

Media