Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 2026

The Mattoon Public Library (“the Library”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of its patrons. This Privacy Policy describes what information we collect, how we use it, and the rights you have regarding your personal information. It applies to all Library services, including in-person visits, our website at mattoonlibrary.org, use of our catalog and digital resources, and any programs or events we offer.

The Library firmly believes that the right to read and explore ideas freely is fundamental, and that patron privacy is essential to intellectual freedom. We do not track, monitor, or share patron reading habits, search histories, or account information except as described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Library Card Registration

When you apply for a library card, we collect:

• Full name
• Home address
• Phone number
• Email address (optional)
• Date of birth (to determine minor/adult status)
• Parent or guardian information (for patrons under 18)

Circulation Records

We maintain records of items currently checked out to your account, items on hold, and any outstanding fines or fees. Once an item is returned and all obligations are settled, checkout history is purged from our system and is not retained.

Digital and Online Services

When you use our website, online catalog, databases, or digital library services (such as e-books or online newspapers), our service providers or we may collect:

• Login credentials (library card number and PIN)
• IP address and browser type for security and analytics purposes
• Session data required to operate the service
• Search queries entered within the catalog (used only to return results and are not stored long-term by the Library)

Program and Event Registration

When you register for Library programs, events, or volunteer opportunities, we may collect your name, contact information, and information relevant to the program (such as age group for children’s programs). This information is used solely to administer the program.

Computer and Wi-Fi Use

Use of Library computers may require a library card for authentication. The Library does not monitor, log, or retain records of websites visited or files accessed during a patron’s computer session. Sessions are cleared upon logout. The Library’s public Wi-Fi network is open; patrons are encouraged to use secure (HTTPS) connections when transmitting sensitive information.

Room Rental

If you book a room at the Library, we collect your name, contact information, and the purpose of the reservation. This information is used to manage room availability and communicate booking details.

2. How We Use Your Information

The Library uses the information we collect only to:

• Issue and manage library cards and accounts
• Check out, renew, and manage holds on library materials
• Calculate and collect fines or fees
• Send notices about holds, due dates, overdue items, or account status
• Register patrons for programs, events, or room rentals
• Respond to inquiries and provide customer service
• Maintain the security and integrity of Library systems
• Comply with applicable laws and legal obligations

We do not use patron information for commercial marketing, profiling, or any purpose unrelated to Library services.

3. Disclosure of Information

The Mattoon Public Library does not sell, trade, rent, or otherwise disclose patron information to third parties except in the following limited circumstances:

Legal Requirements

We may disclose patron records if required to do so by a valid court order, subpoena, or other lawful process. Under the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/), library records that identify a person as having requested or obtained library materials or services are confidential and may not be released without a court order. The Library will make reasonable efforts to notify affected patrons and to challenge overreaching demands where permitted by law.

Service Providers

We engage third-party vendors to help operate Library services, such as our integrated library system, digital lending platforms (e.g., OverDrive/Libby), and online databases. These vendors are contractually required to protect patron information and may only use it to provide the service for which they were engaged. Their own privacy policies also apply to your use of those services.

Parent or Guardian Access

Parents or legal guardians of minor cardholders (under age 18) may access information about their child’s account. The Library encourages parents to talk with their children about their reading choices.

4. Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act

The Library operates in compliance with the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/1 et seq.), which protects the confidentiality of library records that identify or disclose the identity of any person requesting or obtaining specific library materials or services. Patron records are not open to public inspection and will not be shared with any person or agency—including law enforcement or government agencies—without a valid court order or the patron’s written consent, to the extent permitted by law.

5. Website and Cookies

Our website at mattoonlibrary.org may use cookies or similar tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience and collect aggregate usage statistics (such as page visits). These analytics are used in an anonymous, aggregated form to help us improve our website. We do not use tracking technologies to identify individual visitors for commercial purposes.

Third-party services embedded in our website (such as payment processors for donations or calendar tools) operate under their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review those policies when using these services.

6. Data Security

The Library takes reasonable technical and administrative measures to protect patron information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Access to patron records is restricted to authorized Library staff who need the information to perform their duties. Staff are trained on the importance of patron privacy and confidentiality. No data transmission over the internet is entirely secure; however, we strive to protect your information using industry-standard practices.

7. Data Retention

Patron account information is retained for as long as the library card is active. Circulation records (items checked out) are purged from our system upon return of materials and resolution of any associated fees. Inactive accounts may be purged after a period of inactivity in accordance with Library policy. Program registration data is retained only as long as necessary to administer the program.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Patrons have the right to:

• Review the personal information we have on file for your account by contacting the Library
• Update or correct inaccurate information in your account
• Request deletion of your account (subject to any outstanding obligations)
• Opt out of receiving optional email communications from the Library

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the information provided at the end of this policy.

9. Children’s Privacy

The Library offers programs and services for children and teens. We collect only the minimum information necessary to provide these services. For children under the age of 13, we require parent or guardian consent for registration in Library programs. The Library’s website is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children online without parental consent.

10. Changes to This Policy

The Mattoon Public Library reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. When we make material changes, we will post the updated policy on our website and update the effective date above. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

Mattoon Public Library
1600 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938
Phone: 217-234-2621
Email: info@mattoonlibrary.org
Website: mattoonlibrary.org
Hours: Monday–Thursday 9am–6pm | Friday 9am–5pm | Saturday 9am–1pm

The Mattoon Public Library is committed to being a place where every person can freely discover, learn, and connect—with privacy and dignity.