Photography and Video Recording Policy

Libraries are subject to similar photography and videography rules associated with other public buildings, sidewalks, or public parks, meaning that few restrictions may be placed on a photographer who wishes to take photos or video in open, public areas of a facility. Therefore, the Orange Public Libraries allows photography, video, and sound recording in the public areas of the Libraries. However, these activities should not interfere with Library operations, programs, events, infringe on the privacy rights of Library users, or violate any other Library policy. In keeping with the Libraries’ mission to provide high quality services to the community and to ensure the privacy of our patrons, the following will be observed regarding photographing, filming, and recording in the Libraries:

Respect will be shown for families, children, and personal space.
Library users may not take photos/video in non-public areas (restrooms or staff only areas) without authorization by library staff.
Library staff will make every effort to notify members of the public when photographing or recording of programs and events is taking place.
Programs or events sponsored by the Library may be photographed or recorded by Library staff or representatives. Attendance at a Library sponsored program or event constitutes the consent of all attendees, and the consent of the parents/legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, or other use of photographs or recordings at the sole discretion of the Library, only for the purposes of Library publicity and promotion. If a library patron does not wish themselves or their child to be photographed or recorded, the patron must notify the Library staff, and every effort will be made to adhere to the request.
When using photographs and recordings from public programs and events, the Library will not identify images with full names or personal identifying information without approval from the subject, parent, or legal guardian.
Flash and photography equipment will not obstruct passageways or cause disturbances to other Library users.
The Library takes no responsibility for the sharing and/or republishing of photograph(s), video(s), and/or audio recording(s) by patrons, or for the management of content beyond its own publications and websites.
Library buildings may be used as a setting for creative film or commercial photography (including formal, wedding, and engagement photography.) Permission must be secured in advance by contacting the Library Director and securing the permission from the Board of Trustees in a public meeting.

Notwithstanding the above, this policy may be subject to exception at the discretion of the library director and/or board of library trustees.

Approved by the Orange Public Libraries’ Board of Trustees, February 24, 2025