Protecting patron privacy and confidentiality has long been an integral part of the mission of libraries. Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries (FVRL) strives to protect each library patron's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received, and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted. The following policy addresses how FVRL protects patron privacy and maintains the confidentiality of patron records. The FVRL Executive Director is responsible for establishing administrative procedures necessary to carry out this policy.

The Washington State Open Public Records Law requires public agencies to provide records on request; RCW 42.56.070. There is an exemption to this law for certain library records; RCW 42.56.310. Records kept primarily to maintain control of library materials or to help patrons gain access to information are exempt. FVRL will disclose exempt records to others only with the Library patron’s request or consent, or with a valid court order under applicable state or federal law.

Patron records may be consulted and used by Library staff in the course of their library-related work, as determined by the Executive Director.

This policy applies to all FVRL patrons. Parents, guardians, or caretakers of a child under age 18 who wish to access a child’s record of materials checked out or overdue must provide the child’s library card, card number, or verify through other information on the account.