Many of our patrons have contacted the library about recent immigration enforcement activities in the area. We share the concern about how these recent developments are impacting our community. Our hope is that the information below will provide some clarity on how the library handles patron privacy and confidentiality, as well as how we would respond to potential ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity on library property.
Patron Privacy and Confidentiality
In accordance with the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act, all information contained in library registration and circulation records must be kept confidential and is not published or made available to the public.
Registration records include a patron’s name, address, and phone number. We do not ask for information related to citizenship nor immigration status when registering someone for a library card.
Circulation records include what books and other materials an individual has borrowed from the library.
We do not participate in immigration enforcement activities, except when required by law. If a valid judicial order or warrant is presented to the library administration, we would immediately contact our legal counsel to ask them to review the order or warrant to ensure its validity and scope.
More information can be found in our Patron Privacy and Confidentiality Policy.
Potential ICE Activity in the Library Building
Legally, ICE may enter public areas of the library. If ICE presence is observed, staff are instructed to call the Skokie Police immediately and request that they maintain public safety.
If a library patron is questioned by ICE, they have certain rights, including the right to refuse a search without a warrant, the right to remain silent, and the right to simply leave the library unless they are placed under arrest.
Potential ICE Activity in the Library Parking Lot and Driveways
The library parking lot and driveways are owned and operated by the library and may only be used for library-designated purposes. Any exceptions must be authorized by library administration. The library prohibits the use of our parking lot and driveways for immigration enforcement operations such as staging personnel or vehicles.
Resources
The Village of Skokie maintains some helpful information about your rights and other support resources.
The library’s website has information guides on various topics including legal assistance.
Our staff are also available to assist you in the library and on the bookmobile.
For more help, please contact the library at tellus@skokielibrary.info or call 847-673-7774.
We are guided by the American Library Association Code of Ethics, adopted by the library Board of Trustees, which affirms our core values including equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, privacy and confidentiality, and respectful and fair treatment of all people. If you would like to engage in further dialogue about these matters, please email libdirector@skokielibrary.info or stop by and request to talk with the Executive Director.
