The Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest (VHLF) strives to provide and maintain an environment in which patrons are able to use the Library’s resources, services and programs as effectively as possible. This Photography and Videography Policy has been established to govern photography and the use of recording devices by Library staff and the public in order to ensure that this activity does not interfere with the provision of Library services and personal privacy is maintained.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS, CLASSES AND MARKETING. The Library reserves the right to document its services and the public’s use of the Library. Official representatives of the Library may take photographs, videotape, or use other recording devices within the Library and at Library-related events, programs, classes and activities for Library purposes. These photographs and video may be copied, displayed, published (including on any Library web presence), and telecast for such purposes as promotion, publicity, and news to inform the public about the Library. Photos, images, and videos submitted to the Library by users for online galleries or contests may also be used by the Library for promotional purposes. All such photography/videotaping will be in accordance with Library procedures.
Attendance at an VHLF-sponsored program, class or event constitutes the consent of all attendees, and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, or other use of photographs or videos at the sole discretion of the VHLF.
To ensure the privacy of all individuals, including children, images will not be identified using personal identifying information or full names without written approval from the photographed subject or parent/guardian if a minor. In some instances, a patron’s first name may be included with a photograph, unless the Library is instructed that this is not acceptable to the individual or the individual’s parent/guardian. Those wishing not to be photographed or recorded should inform the photographer or Library staff. This policy extends to photographs and filming by Library staff at Friends of the Library and Library Foundation events and at Library booths and programs at public events in the community.
CASUAL AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY. Casual amateur photography, filming, and videotaping is permitted in the lobby, outdoors and in program areas of the Library for patrons and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit, provided that the photography does not distract, disturb or interfere in any way with Library patrons or operations, or capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission.
Any such photographers are responsible for arranging all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed. Except as otherwise permitted by the Library itself, in no circumstances may anyone take a photo or film a Library patron without the consent of the patron, or their parent/guardian, if a minor. The Library assumes no responsibility for obtaining these releases. Props and equipment such as additional lighting, strobes, reflectors, etc. are not permitted. Moving furniture and/or fixtures is not permitted.
COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY. No commercial, professional or media photography or filming may occur in Library facilities without the prior written permission and approval of Library Director or Deputy Director. Such approval shall contain the conditions under which the commercial/professional/media photography or filming will take place, and address the rights to ownership of the photos/films.
Community organizations hosting scheduled programs, events or meetings in the Library’s meeting rooms may arrange for their own photography or videotaping/recording of their event, provided that the photography or videography does not distract, disturb or interfere in any way with Library patrons or operations, or capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. Such photography and videotaping is restricted to the space reserved by the group, and the group is responsible for any necessary releases and permissions.
For media requests, contact Todd Richardson at todd.richardson@vestavialibrary.org.
Photography, videotaping, or use of other recording devices must not interfere with the provision of Library services. Any consent granted pursuant to this Policy to permit photography or filming may be revoked at any time upon failure to comply with terms of the Policy or other rules and regulations of the Library. Staff will terminate any photography, videotaping, or recording session that appears to compromise public safety or security.
Photographers must submit the Photography Request Form below a minimum of 72 hours prior to the requested photography session date. The request will not be valid until official approval from Library Administration is received via email by the requester.
