Filming, Photography, and Recording Policy

1. District Procedures
   
   1. Any persons filming, photographing, and/or recording on PPLD premises have
      sole responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons
      who are filmed, photographed, or recorded, if applicable.
   2. PPLD undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases.
   3. Authorizations may be required to video, photograph, and record at PPLD
      facilities as described below.
   4. Failure to obtain these permissions is failure to comply with PPLD’s Code of
      Conduct Policy.
2. Amateur Photography
   
   1. Casual amateur photography, filming, or recording is permitted in Library facilities
      for patrons and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit, provided that other
      library users are not captured in any such photographs, films, or recordings without
      their permission, in accordance with C.R.S. 24-90-119, and Supreme Court decision
      Katz v. United States, 389 U.S. 347. This held that the Fourth Amendment
      “protects people, not places” and what a person “seeks to preserve as private, even
      in an area accessible to the public,” may be constitutionally protected.
   2. The use of additional equipment such as lighting is not permitted.
   3. Photography and recording of private and “reservation only” events may only be
      done with the permission of the organization or individual holding the event. It is
      the sole responsibility of the photographer to obtain that permission.
3. News Media Photography
   
   1. PPLD has an open-door policy for news media photographers and reporters who
      are doing stories or projects that directly involve the Library and its programs with
      advanced authorization, which is preferred and can be obtained from the
      Communications Office.
   2. For non-Library events and meetings, news media photographers and reporters
      must receive authorization from the presenting group, organization, or individual
      and must notify the Communications Office that they have received such
      authorization.
   3. The Library District does not allow the news media to use the inside of its facilities
      as a backdrop for stories or projects that do not relate to the Library itself or allow
      access to Library patrons for opinion polls or “man on the street” interviews
      without prior authorization from the Communications Office.
4. Documentary-type Photography for Publication or Broadcast
   
   1. PPLD permits photography of its premises and activities when the use of the
      photographs involves the Library directly, such as:
      
      1. Books
      2. Articles
      3. Library-sponsored meetings and events
      4. Videos about PPLD or one of its facilities or services
      5. PPLD’s position in the Pikes Peak region as a tourist or learning destination,
         or
      6. As part of a piece used to describe our community.
   2. Individuals or organizations with a documentary requirement must obtain
      authorization in advance from the Communications Office prior to commencing
      any documentary-related activities.
5. Commercial Photography
   
   1. PPLD does not permit commercial photography on its properties or inside of its
      facilities without the written permission of the Communications Office. This
      includes but is not limited to: using Library buildings, grounds, or interiors as a stage
      set for portraiture, model photography, or product photography, or filming used to
      advertise goods or services unrelated to the Library for commercial sale or
      promotion.
   2. The exception for this policy is the use of Studio 21c and equipment with adherence
      to PPLD’s Studio Use Policy.
   3. Fees may apply in some cases for using the Library as a set.
6. Film Industry
   
   1. PPLD will permit the use of its facilities for filming-related projects where a library
      setting is applicable if the project:
      
      1. Does not interfere with the mission of PPLD
      2. Is in accordance with the rest of this policy, and
      3. Avoids any relation to political campaigns or to partisan issues.
   2. Such projects require the approval of the Chief Librarian and CEO or designee,
      with all details coordinated in advance with Library administration, the
      Communications Office, and PPLD Security.
   3. Filming may take place only during hours when the Library is closed, and all
      equipment must be removed during the Library’s operating hours, unless approved
      otherwise by the Chief Librarian and CEO or designee.
   4. Fees may apply for using the Library as a set.
7. Photography for Groups and Non-Library Events in Meeting and Study Rooms
   
   1. Groups, organizations, or individuals holding meetings or events in PPLD’s meeting
      and/or study rooms may arrange for news media or photography, filming, or
      recording during their event.
   2. Photographing, filming, or recording at meetings or events requires the permission
      of the group, organization, or individual hosting the meeting or event.
   3. Photography, filming, or recording at such meetings and events is restricted to the
      space reserved by the organization, group, or individual and may not take place in
      other areas.
   4. The event organizer must make an announcement at the beginning of the meeting
      or event that they have allowed photography, filming, and/or audio recording.
   5. Any event attendee not wanting to be photographed, filmed, and/or recorded will
      need to speak with the event organizer.
   6. The possibility and allowance or denial of such photography, filming, and/or
      recording is also covered in the reservation process for the specific library facility.
      PPLD undertakes no responsibility for this decision.
8. PPLD Staff Responsibility
   
   1. Library staff may terminate any photo, filming, or recording session that appears to
      compromise public privacy, safety, or security, or violates a PPLD policy.
   2. Library personnel necessary to open, secure, or remain on the premises during any
      event where filming, photographing, or recording occurs will need to arrange
      scheduling through their direct supervisors and the Communications Office.
   3. PPLD frequently engages in photographing, filming, or recording Library programs
      and events, on- and off-site, for its own publicity and promotional purposes.
      
      1. Staff may document any activity on behalf of the Library in such a way.
         When doing so, they will wear PPLD attire and a badge identifying their
         employment and position.
      2. Members of the public must immediately notify that PPLD staff member if
         they do not want to be photographed, filmed, and/or recorded.PPLD will
         ensure signage is posted somewhere outside or within each Library facility
         about such possible filming, recording, or photography.

Please direct inquiries about this policy to PPLD’s Communications Office.

Last approvals by the PPLD Board of Trustees:, 3/14/17, 7/19/19, 2/26/20, 3/16/22
Updated on January 22, 2026

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