You may have heard or read in the news about a new law Act 150 (S.220), An Act Related to Vermont’s Public Libraries, which was signed by Governor Scott in June 2024 and some of which goes into effect on July 1, 2024. Our Library policies already embrace many of the changes required by the law related to promoting the principles of free speech, inquiry, discovery, public accommodation and policies guiding collection development/reconsideration of materials.  One of the changes coming out of the law which affects  many Vermont Library patrons, centers around the privacy of minors by expanding the confidentiality of public library records to minors aged 12 and older (previously the age was 16). We will be working on updating our patron database in the coming months to comply with the new law. 

Going forward, this means that when youth aged 12-17 check out at the Library, we will ask them if they give consent for their guardians/parents to have access to their library account to view checkouts, pick up holds etc.  We will note consent status on their account and will not ask about consent again, however they can change consent on their account at any time by contacting the library. 

The law comes after two years of work by the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont which was formed and charged in May 2021 by the Vermont State Legislature with studying the statewide status of libraries. The Working Group’s final report made recommendations to the House and Senate Committees on Education last fall and one of the recommendations centered around ensuring the principles of intellectual freedom and privacy by expanding the confidentiality of public library records to minors aged 12 and older. The Working group gathered input and data from all types of Librarians, trustees, national and State field experts and the community to produce a report which looked into every area of library service. I encourage you to read about the status and challenges facing Vermont's libraries in the report.