Privacy Policy

Kent County Public Library (KCPL) Website Privacy Policy

Kent County Public Library (KCPL) reserves the right to update this policy without notice.

Privacy & Disclosure of Information

KCPL is dedicated to safeguarding your privacy in all electronic interactions with us. When you visit our website, we may collect certain information based on the services or products you request. This policy outlines the types of information we gather and how it is used. Please note that our website contains links to external sites not managed by KCPL, and this policy does not extend to those sites.

The privacy policy and use of this site are governed by Maryland state laws, specifically Maryland Code, Education §23-108. Under Maryland law, library records containing personally identifiable information are confidential and may only be disclosed under specific legal circumstances.

We do not sell or rent your information to third-party companies or organizations. Additionally, we do not share your personally identifiable information with unaffiliated third parties unless required by law. KCPL retains personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or as required by law.

Information shared with any state or local government entity is subject to the Public Information Act, Title 4, of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Social Media

KCPL maintains social media accounts where users can share opinions and information about Library-related materials and activities.

KCPL does not collect or use personal information from third-party sites beyond communicating with users, unless permission is given for contact outside the platform, such as for program promotion or reference help. Users can opt out at any time.

Please note that third-party sites have their own privacy policies. KCPL reserves the right to edit or reproduce user comments for public use, with identifying information removed, except for first names, unless the user provides consent. KCPL also reserves the right to remove any comments, posts or other communications on social media that violate our User Content policy as outlined below. Content moderation decisions are made in accordance with KCPL policies and applicable laws governing public forums.

Cookies

Cookies are small text files that websites place on your computer to personalize your browsing experience. Some of KCPL’s electronic services use temporary cookies for active sessions. These cookies generally do not directly identify you personally but may include technical identifiers such as session data. You can delete them from your browser once your session ends. If you choose to disable cookies through your browser settings, please note that your browsing experience may be hindered by doing so.

Third-Party Digital Services

Some online library services require login through a third-party vendor to validate your KCPL account. Different services manage authentication in various ways, but the following information may be transmitted to these providers. Typically, this data is collected in aggregate or anonymously, and the duration for which it's retained varies by company. Information that might be collected includes:

Name
Address (or just zip code)
Library card number
Mobile Number
Your computer, device, or internet provider’s IP address
Date and time of site access
Search terms
Pages/resources accessed or downloaded

For Kindle-format ebooks provided through an OverDrive subscription, privacy practices differ. Downloading these titles requires an Amazon account, meaning any borrowed ebooks are tracked through your Amazon account, including any notes or highlights made.

Services that may require authentication include, but are not limited to: downloading ebooks, eaudiobooks, or emagazines; enrolling in online classes; receiving text message notifications and accessing research databases.

When using digital content from third-party vendors, we cannot guarantee that our privacy policies or Maryland confidentiality laws will apply. We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of the service provider you are using.

Use of Website Material

If you choose to send KCPL an email message or otherwise communicate with KCPL via a website form or social media, KCPL will use that information only to respond to your message and to help get you the information you have requested. General suggestions and comments about library services are shared among library staff members responsible for ordering materials or providing services to customers. KCPL occasionally includes comments from library users in marketing materials. In these cases, comments are anonymized.

User Conduct

Please understand that all information, data text, software, music, sound, photographs, graphics, video or messages or other content, whether publicly posted or privately transmitted are the sole responsibility of the person from whom the content originated. You, not KCPL, are responsible for all content you upload, post, email, or otherwise transmit.  KCPL assumes no responsibility or liability arising from content or for material you provide or post to any of its web pages or share with its social media accounts.

You are prohibited from posting:

Pornographic, or profane material;

"Junk mail," "spam", "chain letters," "pyramid schemes," any other form of solicitation or advertisement for commercial products or services;

Software viruses;

Any material that infringes on copyrights or trademarks;

Any material that is unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, harassing, or obscene under legal standards or is otherwise unprotected by the First Amendment that KCPL deems inappropriate for the Sites. 

KCPL has the right to remove any content that violates this policy, any other KCPL policy, or is otherwise objectionable in the sole determination of KCPL’s Executive Director or other designated staff members. KCPL will fully cooperate with any law enforcement authorities or court order requesting or directing KCPL to disclose the identity of anyone posting any such information or materials.

Copyrights, Trademarks & Image Use

The logos, images and service marks of KCPL and those displayed on the KCPL website are protected and any use of them without permission is strictly prohibited.

The information and content of the KCPL website is protected by copyright. Its content may be reproduced without modification for personal use, non-commercial use, and information sharing. Any for-profit or commercial use is strictly prohibited.

Outside Links

This site may contain links to other sites on the internet that are operated by parties other than KCPL and KCPL is not responsible for the content of any such external site, or for the availability of the site or its content. If you have questions or concerns regarding the content of any of these external sites, you should contact the administrator of the external site directly.

Links to KCPL from outside other sites must not imply that KCPL endorses the linking site or has a relationship with KCPL.

Links to other sites from KCPL are provided solely at the discretion of KCPL. Their location and inclusion on the website are determined by criteria established at the discretion of KCPL and can include government entities, non-profit sites, and third-party sites that the library subscribes to, among others.

Accessibility

KCPL strives to follow accessibility standards, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S. Code § 794d - Electronic and information technology) and WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines to serve and provide access to individuals with disabilities.

Website Modifications

KCPL makes every effort to offer current and correct information, nevertheless errors in information may be found. KCPL makes no warranties regarding the quality, content, completeness, accuracy or adequacy of information found on any of the pages of its website. KCPL further makes no warranties regarding the condition or functionality of this website and reserves the right to make changes to any and all of the site at any time without notice, including termination of the site in its entirety.

Damages

You assume all risks associated with the use of the KCPL website, including any risk of your computer or other device, software or data being damaged by any virus, software, or any other file which might be transmitted or activated via a KCPL webpage or your access to it. KCPL shall not be liable for any damages resulting from the use or misuse of the information contained in KCPL webpages.

Endorsement

KCPL’s use of any specific commercial products, service, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement. Use, views, and opinions expressed herein do not reflect those of KCPL and shall not be used for endorsement purposes.

Your Choices

You have control over how your information is used when interacting with KCPL online. You may choose not to provide personal information when using our website, though this may limit access to certain services. You can disable cookies through your browser settings at any time. When engaging with KCPL on social media or through third-party services, you may adjust your privacy settings on those platforms or opt out of further contact from KCPL. Personal information and mobile numbers collected through opt-in will not be shared, sold, or rented with third parties for marketing purposes. You may also choose whether to use third-party digital services that require authentication. If you have concerns about your privacy or wish to request changes related to your information, you are encouraged to contact KCPL directly at 410.778.3636.

Last Revision 10.26.26