Privacy Policy
Privacy Statement
Harris County Public Library (HCPL) is committed to protecting the privacy of all library users, as guided by the following statement in the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics: “We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted."
HCPL Website Privacy Statement
Library Records
Library records are defined as any information about a library user’s account, including, but not limited to: information provided by a library user to HCPL; any information linking a user to a specific library resource, subject category of library resources, or library program; and any other personally identifiable information.
The permission to pick up holds does not extend generally as permission to disclose other circulation information about the library user.
Library records are only kept as long as necessary to collect administrative statistics, after which they are permanently deleted. Users have the option to opt-in to saving their borrowing history on HCPL’s website. Once this feature has been enabled, all borrowing history will be retained indefinitely unless the user requests its deletion. For more information see Borrowing History FAQ.
Release of Library Records
Library records are confidential and will only be released to the cardholder or the adult(s) listed on a minor’s account. Cardholders or the adult(s) listed on a minor’s account may provide written or verbal permission to the library to release their records.
Library records will not be released to any third party without the user’s permission, except under court order, subpoena, or warrant, as outlined by the state statute, Texas Government Code, Section 552.124 as well as the surveillance provisions included in the USA PATRIOT ACT (Public Law 107-56). Library records may be disclosed if the library determines that disclosure is reasonably necessary for the operation of the library or library system, and the records are not confidential under other state or federal law.
HCPL cannot provide any information about users of reciprocal partner libraries.
Related Content:
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Privacy Notice
HCPL Digital Library Card Privacy Policy
Last Updated 7/31/2026