Library Board approved July 16, 2002. Revised October 28, 2025.
The Oak Park Public Library abides by the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/1, et seq.), which states that circulation and registration records are confidential information.
For purposes of this policy, “registration records” includes any information the Library requires a person to provide in order to become eligible to borrow books and other materials. “Circulation records” includes all information identifying an individual borrowing particular books or materials from the Library.
The Library shall not make available to individuals or organizations or to any agency of state, federal or local government circulation or registration records unless:
- required to do so under a court order; or
- the information is requested by a sworn law enforcement officer who represents that it is impractical to secure a court order as a result of an emergency where there is probable cause to believe that there is an imminent danger of physical harm. In these circumstances, the information requested must be limited to identifying a suspect, witness, or victim of a crime, and may not include the disclosure of circulation or registration records that would indicate materials borrowed, resources reviewed, or services used at the library.
- Law enforcement officers who seek the emergency release of information (without a court order) must sign an acknowledgement form when requested to do so by library staff.
Upon receipt of a court order, or the required representation of a law enforcement officer without a court order, the Executive Director or their designee will consult with the Library’s legal counsel to determine if the order or request is in proper form and if there is showing of good cause consistent with State law. If the Library’s legal counsel discovers any defects in the process, order, or request, the Executive Director will insist that these be cured before releasing circulation or registration records.
Emergency Release of Information Request
The Library Records Confidentiality Act, 75 ILCS 70/1, et seq., requires a court order before a library may release circulation or registration records unless the information is requested by a sworn law enforcement officer who represents that it is impractical to obtain a court order due to an emergency where the law enforcement officer believes, with probably cause, that there is an actual and imminent danger of physical harm.
In an emergency situation, release of identifying information is restricted as follows:
- The information requested must be limited to identifying a suspect, witness, or victim of a crime.
- The information requested without a court order may not include the disclosure of registration or circulation records that would indicate materials borrowed, resources reviewed, or services used by the library.
- If requested by the Library, the requesting law enforcement officer must sign this form acknowledging the receipt of the information. The Library may seek subsequent judicial review to assess compliance with Section 1(a)(2) of the Library Records Confidentiality Act, 75 ILCS 70/1(a)(2).
Officer’s Acknowledgement
I am a sworn law enforcement officer making an emergency request based on probable cause and a belief that there is real and imminent danger of physical harm. Due to the circumstances, it is impractical to secure a court order for the identifying information I am requesting from the Library. I acknowledge that this is an emergency and that I have received the requested information.
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Officer’s Printed Name
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Officer’s Employing Agency
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Officer’s Badge Number
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Officer’s Signature
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Date Signed