The Pekin Public Library values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it when you visit our website or use library services.
Last Updated: June 18, 2026
At Pekin Public Library (“the Library,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), protecting patron privacy is a core responsibility. This Privacy Policy describes how information is handled across our online services, including our website, catalog system, digital resources, and social media pages (collectively, the “Online Services”).
The Library complies with applicable state and federal privacy laws, including the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/1 et seq.), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and relevant guidance issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). We also follow recognized accessibility standards, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2 AA and AAA).
By using our Online Services, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this Policy. If you do not agree with its terms, you should discontinue use of the Online Services.
We collect personal information when you interact with our website, access library resources, or contact us. This information may include:
Identifiers such as name, address, email, phone number, or library card number.
Account details such as borrowing history, holds, and overdue items.
Technical information including IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
Usage information such as pages visited, search queries, and digital resource usage.
Communications including messages sent through contact forms, feedback submissions, or support inquiries.
Limited location information may be used to provide access to services or resources that are available only within certain regions.
The Library does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of thirteen without verified parental consent. If such information is identified, it is removed in accordance with COPPA requirements.
The Library does not request or store sensitive personal data such as Social Security numbers, medical information, or financial account details. Payments for fines, fees, or events are processed through secure third-party payment providers and are not stored by the Library.
Information collected by the Library is used only for operational and service-related purposes, including:
Managing patron accounts and lending services
Responding to inquiries and requests
Maintaining system security and preventing misuse
Operating and improving Online Services
Conducting usage analytics for internal reporting
Complying with legal obligations and library regulations
Patrons may receive account notices, overdue reminders, service updates, or event-related communications related to their Library use.
The Library processes personal information under one or more of the following bases:
Consent, when patrons opt in to newsletters or digital resource accounts
Contractual necessity, to provide requested services such as borrowing materials or accessing databases
Legal obligation, as required by state or federal law
Legitimate interests, including maintaining network security and improving library operations
The Library applies administrative and technical safeguards to protect information from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure. These measures include secure connections, access controls, and routine system monitoring.
Online Services may be hosted by established library technology providers or secure hosting vendors. These providers are required to maintain appropriate data protection practices.
If a data security incident occurs, the Library will comply with applicable notification requirements under Illinois and federal law.
Our Online Services use cookies to support basic site functions, maintain sessions, and analyze usage. Essential cookies are required for site operation. Optional cookies may be used for analytics and performance improvement.
You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but certain features may not function properly.
The Library may use the following tools:
Google Analytics 4 for website statistics
Google Tag Manager for tag deployment
Meta Pixel to measure engagement on Library social media campaigns
Each provider’s privacy policy governs the handling of data collected through these tools.
The Library does not sell or rent personal information. Limited data may be shared with service providers that support hosting, communications, analytics, or payment processing. These providers are required to use information only for authorized purposes and to protect it appropriately.
Our Online Services may link to external websites or digital resources. The Library does not control the privacy practices of these third parties. Visitors are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external sites before providing information.
Information is retained only for as long as necessary to provide services or meet legal requirements. Borrowing records and account data are retained for operational purposes and then securely deleted or anonymized. Aggregated website usage data may be retained for longer periods for reporting and planning.
Data collected through Online Services is stored and processed in the United States using secure hosting services.
Patrons may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal information, consistent with the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act and other applicable laws. Requests can be submitted through the contact form provided below or at the Library’s main service desk.
Patrons may also opt out of optional communications, newsletters, or analytics tracking.
The Library’s Online Services are designed for general audiences but may include resources for children. We do not knowingly collect or store personal information from children under thirteen without parental consent.
Parents who believe their child has provided personal data should contact us immediately.
Pekin Public Library is committed to maintaining accessible web and digital experiences. Our Online Services are designed in accordance with Section 508, the ADA, and WCAG 2.2 AA standards. Accessibility audits are conducted periodically, and users are encouraged to report any access issues.
When contacting the Library through web forms, email, chat, or messaging services, the content of your communication and your contact details may be collected to process your request. Some third-party platforms, such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram) or WhatsApp, may process communications data according to their own privacy policies.
Our website may include links or integrations with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These platforms may collect data when you interact with embedded features or share Library content.
We do not control how social media companies handle your information. Please review their privacy policies for more information.
If you apply for employment at Pekin Public Library, we collect information such as resumes, applications, and references for hiring purposes only. Applicant data is retained only as long as necessary for recruitment or as required by law.
This Privacy Policy may be updated as laws or Library practices change. The “Last Updated” date reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of Online Services after changes are posted indicates acceptance of the updated policy.
For privacy-related inquiries, please contact us through our website or by mail:
Pekin Public Library
301 S. 4th Street
Pekin, IL 61554
Website: https://www.pekinpubliclibrary.org
Email: info@pekinpubliclibrary.org
