Cary Memorial Library strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for its staff, patrons and facilities. As stated by the Library's Board of Trustees:

The Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the rules of behavior necessary to protect the rights of individuals to use the library material and services, to protect the rights of library employees to conduct library business without interference, and to preserve library materials and facilities.

The Board of Trustees believes that library patrons have the right to use library materials and services without being disturbed or impeded by other library users; that library patrons and employees have the right to an environment that is secure and comfortable; and that library patrons and employees have the right to materials and facilities that are accessible and in good condition. (Voted by the Board of Cary Memorial Library Trustees, September 24, 1996)

In pursuit of this objective, the Board of Trustees has determined that selected public areas of the library will be monitored by video recording equipment. Signage will be posted at library entrances disclosing this activity. While it is recognized that the use of security cameras will not prevent all incidents, its potential deterrent effect and resource as a means of identifying and prosecuting offenders is considered worthwhile.

Video monitoring of public areas will be limited to uses that do not violate the reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law. Images from the library security camera system will be stored digitally in the library. The library intends to retain all recorded images for up to 30 days or until the image capacity of the system is reached, whichever occurs first, unless such images are considered relevant to legal proceedings. The oldest stored images will be automatically deleted by system software to make room for new images. Typically, images will not be routinely monitored in real time, nor reviewed by library staff, unless specifically authorized by the Library Director.

When an incident occurs in the library, these records may be used by library staff and/or law enforcement agencies in accordance with applicable state and federal laws to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Approved by Cary Memorial Library Board of Trustees, June 18, 2008. Final version reviewed and approved by legal counsel June 20, 2008.