HB376

I support this bill. Library cards status should be up to the patron to share information or not.

I submit my testimony in support of HB376 with regard to release of library card information and membership through Right To Know requests. Not only is releasing this information an invasion of privacy but it is also a potential safety risk to the individual who’s information was released. Some people have said “it is just a library card, it’s not a big deal”. I am telling you it IS a big deal. Can you imagine being the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, child custodial disputes or stalking and moving to a new town to escape the situation only to have the perpetrator locate you because your local librarian TOLD them what town you live in and where you and/or your children go by acknowledging and releasing your library card. It’s NOT the physical library card that’s the issue – it’s the action of acknowledgement. As an individual we have a right to feel safe in our surroundings and most important that our children are as well. . As a parent or grandparent we have an obligation and responsibility to protect our children, regardless of age. The current law allows a library to release this personal information that could potentially put a person at risk. This is not acceptable and therefore I am in favor of amending the law to prohibit this information from being released as part of a RTK request and encourage everyone to support this very important bill.

Please support this bil. Thank you.

I commend the inclusion of information regarding library cards and library membership status in information that is exempt from right to know. Many libraries and librarians already treat this as the case in their day to day operations and would likely have been shocked to receive a 91-A request that is such a violation of the public's privacy.