Library board adopts policy limiting public access to in‑library camera footage

The Flagstaff City Coconino County Library Board voted to adopt a new policy governing in‑library camera use and the release of footage. Chair (speaker 2) called for a motion after staff presented the draft; Leslie (speaker 4) moved to adopt the policy and the Director (speaker 3) seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion passed.

Library staff told the board the policy is designed to make the public aware cameras are in use and to set consistent procedures for releasing recordings. "We just realized that with the cameras on staff, we are in the library, we want the public to be aware that we do have them," the Director said, describing the policy's purpose as both safety and patron privacy. The Director also told the board that staff will direct most requests for footage to law enforcement and that releases will generally require a police report or legal order.

Board members expressed that the policy provides clarity for staff interactions with patrons seeking footage. The board adopted the policy by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The policy will be available through staff and the library website; staff said it outlines when records might be released and to whom.