Arapahoe Libraries Privacy Guidelines

What Privacy Means to You

Arapahoe Libraries is committed to protecting your privacy. These guidelines cover Arapahoe Libraries' treatment of personally identifiable information collected through the use of Arapahoe Libraries' websites, programs and services. These guidelines do not cover uses of information you provide to websites, or services you may find and/or use as a result of using Arapahoe Libraries' websites, programs or services.

All personally identifiable information, such as your name, address, e-mail address, demographic data, telephone and fax numbers, as well as your comments or other messages to Arapahoe Libraries, is confidential and will not be given to any other agency or organization. Nor will it be used for any purpose other than one prescribed by Arapahoe Libraries, except when necessary to comply with subpoenas, court orders or legal processes, or when your actions or use of our websites, programs or services violates the terms of our public accessibility or unacceptable use policies.

Arapahoe Libraries uses personal information primarily when compiling user statistics, ascertaining patron opinions and suggestions, and promoting Arapahoe Libraries and its programs and services, among other uses. Arapahoe Libraries has in place certain technological and procedural security functions in order to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, alteration or destruction. In addition, Arapahoe Libraries will use reasonable efforts to remove your personal information when you request it or it is no longer needed. Arapahoe Libraries cannot, however, guarantee that such loss, misuse, alteration, destruction or retention will never occur, and does not make representations to this effect.

If your personal information changes or is incorrect, you may correct, update or remove the personal information by filling out a Contact Us form or by mail:

Communications Department
Arapahoe Library District
12855 E. Adam Aircraft Circle
Englewood, Colorado 80112

Patron Privacy Policy

Colorado Open Records Act Rules and Policy (CORA) Resolution

Acceptable Use of Library Technology and Services

Using the Internet 

Arapahoe Libraries provides free access to internet computers for all ages. These computers comply with the internet safety requirements outlined in the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), opens a new window and the Colorado State Law on Internet Protection in Public Libraries (CRS 24-90-601 etc.).

Please be aware that no filtering system is infallible and Arapahoe Libraries does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of its internet filters.

We are always willing to work in partnership with you to help guide your child in the safe use of the internet. The library staff can direct you to child-appropriate websites and help you find resources with tips for parents and children on how to surf the web safely. Please remember, however, that ultimately you are responsible for your child's use of the internet in the library.

For Your Child's Sake

To keep your child safe in the library, please keep in mind that the library is a public building open to everyone, and please:

  • Assist your child with the library computers if he or she is not familiar with the equipment.
  • Do not leave small children unattended. We request that you stay in the library when your child is participating in a library program or event.
  • Keep young children close to you.
  • Ask your child to behave appropriately and to be considerate of others while in the library.
  • Know the library hours so a child who needs transportation is not left alone when the library closes.

Your child will benefit from all the library has to offer when we work together as partners. For more information, please see our Patron Code of Conduct.

Your Child and the Library

It's about choices. Your child’s Arapahoe Libraries card* offers a world of discovery and learning. We’re thrilled to partner with you and your family on this journey.

Arapahoe Libraries aims to turn every search for knowledge into a helpful adventure. We provide a wide choice of print and online resources that feature a variety of topics and viewpoints. We recognize that because parenting standards vary from family to family, what you find appropriate for your children may be different than what your friends and neighbors may choose for their families.

You are your child's best guide. We appreciate your support in teaching your children how to navigate library computers and online resources, and guiding them as they choose library materials.

We’ll be here every step of the way. Let us know how we can help your family discover the “new kind of know" that you're looking for at Arapahoe Libraries.

*Children of any age can get an Arapahoe Libraries card with parental approval. Parents/guardians are responsible for library materials and any charges incurred by their minor children (under age 18).

Computer Use Information 

The Arapahoe Library District's Privacy Policy covers the treatment of personally identifiable information collected through the use of the Library District's websites, programs and services. The Arapahoe Library District assumes no responsibility for the information you choose to provide to websites, services or individuals when using a library computer.

Your activities on a library computer are not recorded or stored on the computer hard drive.

When you use your library card number to reserve a library computer, no permanent link is recorded or retained to match your library card number with your Library Account information; i.e., your name, address, etc.

Library computers are rebooted daily to erase the temporary cache memory that has information about activities on those computers, and the cache memory is set very low so historical information cycles out more quickly during the day. If you have concerns about the privacy of your computer session, you can request that the library staff reboot the computer at the end of your session in order to erase the cache memory immediately.

Social Software Guidelines

Social software is defined as any web application, site or account which facilitates library users sharing opinions and information about library related subjects and issues. Comments, posts, messages and tags are welcome and will be posted to the site immediately. The following will warrant removal of comments, posts, messages and tags:

  • Obscene or racist content
  • Personal attacks, insults or threatening language
  • Potentially libelous statements
  • Plagiarized material
  • Private, personal information published without consent
  • Commercial promotions or spam

By posting content, the user agrees to indemnify Arapahoe Libraries and its officers and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages and costs (including attorney’s fees) incurred by any of them which arise out of or are related to the posted content. Comments may not be used for commercial purposes or for organized political activity.

Arapahoe Libraries reserves the right to monitor content on the websites, to modify or remove any messages or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of the copyright, trademark right or other intellectual property right of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate for the service. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the service as violation of the terms can lead to legal liability. 

See our Social Media Policy for more information.

Programs, Photos, Video Release

The library facilities are public places. Recording equipment may be used during your attendance at a program or while you are using the facility. Your photograph may appear on promotional materials for an indefinite period of time with the understanding that your name may or may not be displayed. You will not be compensated for the use of your photograph or likeness and release Arapahoe Libraries from any liability in connection with the making, publication, distribution or other use of such materials.

SMS Messaging Service

We provide two options for patrons to receive text message notifications relating to their library materials. Both options require users to opt-in to the feature and provide the option for users to opt-out at any time. These services are managed by third-party applications that do not share your phone number with any other entity.

The first is through our Shoutbomb texting service. Users can choose to opt-in to this service by texting SIGNUP+yourlibrarycardnumber to 303-309-0028 (example: SIGNUP+21393001234567).

The second is through the Innovative Interfaces SMS messaging service. Innovative Interfaces, our catalog vendor, allows users to opt-in to text message notifications by clicking "Modify Personal Information" after logging into the Classic Catalog.

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