New Hampshire State Law, RSA 91-A:5 and RSA 201-D:11, and the Portsmouth Public Library protect the privacy of library users. Confidentiality extends to information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired, and includes registration records, circulation records, database search records, reference interviews, interlibrary loan records, and all other personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, or services.

Further, the Library subscribes to the American Library Association's Code of Ethics. Article III states "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."

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. This requires the corresponding right to hear what is spoken and read what is written, free from fear of intrusion, intimidation, or reprisal. Confidentiality is essential to protect the exercise of these rights from invasions of privacy.

The Portsmouth Public Library is an impartial resource providing information on all points of view, available to all persons regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, social or political views, economic status, or any other characteristic. This role must not be compromised by an erosion of the privacy rights of our library users.

The law does not specifically prohibit any library from releasing statistical information and other data regarding the circulation or use of library materials, provided that the identity of the users of the materials remains confidential.

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