Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy
North Bergen Free Public Library
8411 Bergenline Avenue
North Bergen, NJ 07047
United States
Website: https://nbpl.org/

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1. Introduction
The North Bergen Free Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patrons’ information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information when you:

• Visit our website (https://nbpl.org/)
• Use our mobile application developed by Communico
• Access digital services and online resources
• Use Princh mobile printing services
• Use public computers or Wi-Fi
• Interact with the Library in person, by phone, or electronically

This policy is designed to comply with applicable federal and New Jersey laws governing library record confidentiality, as well as Google Play Store and Apple App Store privacy requirements.

2. Confidentiality of Library Records (New Jersey Law)
Library records that identify a patron and their use of library materials, services, or resources are confidential pursuant to New Jersey law.
The Library does not disclose personally identifiable information regarding a patron’s use of library materials or services except:

• With the patron’s consent
• To authorized Library personnel for operational purposes
• Pursuant to a valid court order or legal requirement
• To recover overdue materials or unpaid fees, where permitted by law

3. Information We Collect

A. Library Account Information
When applying for or using a library card, we may collect:

• Full name
• Residential and/or mailing address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Date of birth (for eligibility verification)
• Identification information required for registration

This information is required to provide borrowing privileges and related services.

B. Circulation and Service Records
We may collect:

• Materials borrowed and returned
• Holds and reservations
• Overdue notices
• Fee or fine balances
• Program registrations
• Room bookings

Circulation history is not retained after materials are returned unless necessary for operational or dispute resolution purposes.

C. Website Information
When visiting https://nbpl.org/, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device type
• Pages visited
• Date and time of access
• Referring URLs

This information is used for website functionality, analytics, security monitoring, and service improvement. Data is generally analyzed in aggregate form.

D. Mobile Application (Communico Platform)
The Library’s mobile application is developed and hosted by Communico.
When using the mobile app, the following information may be collected:

• Library card number (for authentication)
• Account credentials
• Device type and operating system
• App usage activity
• Push notification preferences

The app may request permissions necessary for functionality, including:

• Internet/network access
• Push notifications
• Limited device storage for caching

We do not access contacts, photos, microphone, camera, or location data unless explicitly required for a specific feature and authorized by the user.
Communico operates under its own privacy and security standards. We encourage users to review Communico’s privacy practices where applicable.

E. Princh Mobile Printing
The Library offers mobile printing services through Princh.
When using Princh, the following may be processed:

• Print job files submitted by the user
• Number of pages and print settings
• Device identifier for job release
• Time and date of submission
• Payment confirmation details (if applicable)

Print job data is processed solely for the purpose of completing the print request. Princh operates under its own privacy policy and data handling practices.
The Library does not retain copies of print documents beyond what is operationally necessary to complete the transaction.

F. Digital Databases and Online Resources
The Library subscribes to multiple digital content providers, including databases, eBooks, streaming services, and other online resources. When using these services, the following information may be collected:

• Library card or account authentication details
• Access logs and usage statistics
• Digital resource interactions (e.g., borrowed eBooks, streaming activity)

These databases may operate under their own privacy policies. We include information about these services in our records only as required by law. Examples include:

• EBSCOhost databases
• OverDrive / Libby
• Hoopla
• Gale resources
• Any other library-subscribed databases

F. Public Computers and Wi-Fi
Use of public computers and Wi-Fi may generate session logs including:

• Login time and session duration
• Device identifiers
• Network usage logs required for system security

The Library does not actively monitor internet content accessed by users, except as required for system integrity, security, or legal compliance.

4. How We Use Information
We use collected information to:

• Provide and manage library services
• Authenticate user accounts
• Circulate materials
• Process program registrations and room reservations
• Enable mobile app functionality
• Deliver notifications (overdue, holds, event reminders)
• Provide printing services
• Improve website and app performance
• Maintain system security
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

5. Data Sharing
We may share limited information with trusted service providers solely for operational purposes, including:

• Integrated Library System vendors
• Communico (mobile app platform)
• Princh (printing services)
• Digital content providers (eBooks, databases, streaming services)

These vendors are contractually obligated to safeguard data and use it only to provide services to the Library.
We do not share personal information for advertising purposes.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website and mobile app may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain secure login sessions
• Store user preferences
• Analyze site traffic
• Improve user experience

Users may control cookie settings through their browser.

7. Data Retention
Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to:

• Provide services
• Maintain operational records
• Comply with legal obligations

Transaction histories are not permanently stored once services are completed unless required for administrative purposes.

8. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
However, no system can guarantee absolute security.

9. Children’s Privacy
The Library does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through the website or mobile app without parental involvement in the library card registration process.
Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising minors’ use of digital resources.

10. User Rights
Patrons may:

• Review and update account information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of personal information where legally permitted
• Withdraw consent for optional communications

Requests may be submitted by contacting the Library directly.

11. Google Play and Apple App Store Compliance
To comply with Google Play and Apple App Store requirements:

• We disclose categories of data collected and their purposes
• We do not collect sensitive personal data beyond what is required to provide services
• We do not use personal data for tracking across third-party apps
• We do not sell user data
• Users may request data access or deletion

The official privacy policy URL for app store listings is:
https://nbpl.org/privacy-policy/

12. Changes to This Policy
The Library reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on https://nbpl.org/ with an updated effective date.

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13. Contact Information
North Bergen Free Public Library
8411 Bergenline Avenue
North Bergen, NJ 07047
Phone: (201) 869-4715
Email: info@nbpl.org
Website: https://nbpl.org/