Computer Use & the Internet at the Denver Public Library
The Denver Public Library provides public computers and Internet access to all customers. It is the goal of the Denver Public Library to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for all. The Internet contains a wide variety of material and opinions from various points of view. Not all sources provide information that is accurate, complete or current, and some information may be considered offensive or inappropriate to some.
While the Denver Public Library is sensitive to the concerns of customers about Internet content, no one, including the Library, can control the information available on the Internet. Each individual is responsible for their own appropriate use of the Internet in a public place. The responsibility for what minors read or view on the Internet rests with a parent or legal guardian.
Internet Filters
The Denver Public Library complies with state and federal law mandating the use of filtering software in public libraries. It employs filtering software to protect against the visual depiction of pornography, obscenity, and child pornography. No filtering software is totally accurate. Filters may block material that is appropriate in a public library setting or they may fail to block access to illegal or objectionable material.
Customers may send requests to block or unblock a specific site to info@denverlibrary.org or speak with library staff. The Denver Public Library will respond to questions and concerns regarding the filter's accuracy by communicating with the filtering software vendor towards improving its product.
Confidentiality and Privacy
The Denver Public Library follows state and federal law regarding privacy of library users' records and information.
The library does not, as part of its regular practice, retain any data, including websites visited, passwords, credit card numbers, or any other information a customer has entered.
It is the Denver Public Library's usual practice to erase all customer use records, except those essential for library business operations. The Library will release records, including those relating to Internet usage, only as required by law.
Customers' Responsibility
In order to ensure a positive library experience for everyone the Library requires that all customers shall:
- Use computers only for lawful purposes.
- Refrain from viewing pornographic visual materials or content that by contemporary community standards would be considered obscene.
- Observe the established computer time limits.
- Use a privacy screen if requested by staff.
- Refrain from damaging or altering computer equipment, systems or software.
A violation of the Library’s Computer and Internet Policy is considered a violation of the Library’s Use Policy.
Approved by the Library Commission on October 17, 2024.