Arapahoe Library District supports and complies with the Colorado Library User Records Privacy Act (C.R.S. § 24-90-119), C.R.S. § 24-74.1-101, et seq., the American Library Association’s Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records, and the Colorado Association of Libraries Statement on Intellectual Freedom. All library records, including but not limited to library accounts and video footage relating to patrons’ use of the library, resources, and services are confidential, unless otherwise required to be disclosed under state or federal law.
Law Enforcement Requests for Patron and Staff Information
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-90-119, Arapahoe Libraries will comply with local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities’ requests for information and release patron records when authorities provide at least one of the following:
- A subpoena issued by a local or state judge or magistrate.
- An order issued by a local or state judge or magistrate.
- A warrant issued by a local or state judge or magistrate.
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-74.1-101, et seq., Arapahoe Libraries will comply with federal immigration enforcement authorities’ requests for information and release patron or staff records when authorities provide at least one of the following:
- A subpoena issued by a federal judge or federal magistrate.
- An order issued by a federal judge or federal magistrate.
- A warrant issued by a federal judge or federal magistrate.
Arapahoe Libraries will also release patron records to local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities when the library obtains:
- The consent of the patron concerned through a valid release of information; or
- The consent of the patron’s parent or legal guardian through a valid release of information.
Arapahoe Libraries may consult with legal counsel before responding to requests for patron or staff information. Approval to share patron or staff information with law enforcement shall be issued in writing by the Executive Director or their designee.
The request for information or access will be denied if a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer is unable to present any of the above documentation or there is no valid consent to release information.
Arapahoe Libraries has no affirmative duty to collect or retain information about library patrons on behalf of law enforcement.
Upon the receipt and verification of a subpoena, court order, warrant, or consent form, Arapahoe Libraries will release such information as is permitted in the verified document.
Law Enforcement Accessing Public and Non-Public Areas of Library Facilities
As a public library, law enforcement officers are welcome to access the public areas of the library.
Arapahoe Libraries will permit law enforcement access to library property that is not customarily accessible to the public, if authorities deliver a warrant, subpoena, or court order issued by a judge or magistrate allowing for such access, or in the case of federal immigration enforcement activities a warrant, subpoena, or court order issued by a federal judge or federal magistrate.
Individuals not employed by Arapahoe Libraries, excluding those working in a voluntary capacity, shall not be allowed in staff areas, except when necessary for reasonable library operations.
Arapahoe Libraries staff will follow established District procedures for responding to law enforcement requests for patron and/or staff information or access to non-public areas of the libraries, including staff areas.
ADOPTED 08/2025