Filming and Photography Procedure
Approved by Tom Fay, Chief Librarian, on June 4, 2024.
Background
The Seattle Public Library is a public agency and, generally speaking, people have the right to film or take photos in Library spaces that are open to the public. This right is not absolute, however. People who film or take photos in Library spaces must follow the Library’s Rules of Conduct.
Washington state law explicitly authorizes public libraries to set "reasonable rules and regulations" (RCW 27.12.270) and to “exclude from the use of the library … any person who wilfully and persistently violates any rule or regulation prescribed for the use of the library or its facilities” (RCW 27.12.290).
Among the Library's rules and regulations is our adopted administrative procedure regarding filming and photography in Library spaces, which is set forth below.
Filming and Photography in the Library
As a general matter, members of the press, Library patrons, community members, and other visitors have a right to engage in filming and photography in areas designated open to the public within Library facilities and on Library property, provided that such activity does not interfere with the proper use of the Library, disrupt Library operations, infringe on the privacy of patrons, or otherwise violate the reasonable rules and regulations the Library has adopted regarding acceptable conduct.
In the context of the description above related to what is allowed regarding filming and photography, the Library is not responsible for the incidental filming or photography of patrons and other visitors while they are in areas of the Library designated open to the public.
Generally, members of the public are prohibited from engaging in filming or photography on Library property in areas reserved for staff and other areas that are not open to the public.
Handheld equipment may be used for filming and photography in the Library, but the use of larger or additional equipment, such as tripods and portable lighting, should be authorized by and coordinated with the Library’s Communications Office or onsite Library staff so that the use of such equipment does not disrupt Library use and operations.
Library staff are authorized to prohibit and terminate any filming or photography that is in violation of the Library’s Rules of Conduct, including filming or photography that appears to interfere with the use or operations of the Library, that may compromise public safety or security, or that may compromise a patron’s right to privacy as set forth in the Library’s Confidentiality of Patron Information Policy.
Filming will not be allowed if conducted a manner that:
- Violates patron privacy;
- Disturbs Library operations; or
- Clearly violates the Library’s Rules of Conduct, such as by shouting, using profanity or derogatory language; harassing, intimidating or threatening patrons or staff; disturbing or interfering with staff member’s ability to assist patrons or conduct their work; or otherwise acting in a manner that is reasonably seen as hostile, offensive or abusive.
Press Accommodation
Members of the press who want to film or photograph inside the Library are encouraged to email the Library’s Communications Office in advance at CommunicationsOffice@spl.org. Library Communications staff are available to provide media badges, authorize equipment use, secure appropriate locations, answer questions, and facilitate interviews as necessary.
Applicability
This administrative procedure applies to all individuals and entities interested in filming or photography within Library buildings or on Library property.