Policy Statement

The public may take photos and/or videos in Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) facilities. Such photos and/or videos may not impede the public’s use of TLCPL facilities, TLCPL staff’s delivery of services to the public, or an individual’s expectation of privacy in a public space.

Media is asked to seek approval from the Marketing Department before taking photos or video to ensure that such activities do not impede the public’s use of TLCPL facilities, TLCPL staff’s delivery of services to the public, or an individual’s expectation of privacy in a public space.

Purpose

This policy ensures that the taking of photos and videos by the public or media in TLCPL facilities does not interfere with Library business, the public’s use of the Library, or include individuals without their permission.

Definitions

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.

Policy

TLCPL is a public place and, as such, the public may take photographs or videos in the public areas of the Library. Permission to photograph individuals must be granted by those individuals or their guardians. Minors cannot give permission – only their guardian can grant permission. Library staff will not administer permissions for members of the public to take photos and/or videos of other individuals.

Non-flash photography and/or videotaping is permitted at Library programs and events for personal use, not for publication or broadcast, provided that it is not disruptive and does not capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. Taking photographs at Library events or author events is subject to the wishes of the individual author or paid performer/presenter.

Community organizations holding scheduled events or meetings in TLCPL study, conference or meeting rooms may arrange for their own photography or video recording of their event. The public may photograph or film community events or meetings so long as the activity does not compromise public safety or security or interfere with the ability of the meeting organizer to conduct the business of the meeting. The photo or video may not capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission.

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

TLCPL staff may stop any photography or video recording that appears to interfere with TLCPL's ability to conduct business, or that compromises public safety or security.

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

Should you wish to use TLCPL facilities for family or wedding photos or video, permission should be secured from the facility manager to ensure the request doesn’t affect TLCPL's ability to conduct business, or that compromises public safety or security.

Media provisions:

TLCPL welcomes news media photographers and reporters documenting stories or projects that directly involve TLCPL and its programs, resources, and/or services, provided that notice is given and approved, the public use of the Library is not impeded, and the above provisions are followed.

Picture taking, filming, or videotaping of the exterior areas of Library property is allowed, as long as such activity complies with the Code of Conduct, and does not interfere with the flow of traffic and with customers or staff wishing to enter or leave the building.

We ask that news media photographers and reporters do not approach minors for photo or video requests unless an accompanying guardian grants permission. Minors are not able to provide consent and such requests impedes the expectation of privacy in a public space.

We also ask that news media do not approach customers about non-Library stories or projects as this is disruptive to customers.