Recently someone posted misinformation about Tillamook County libraries being unsafe for immigrant community members due to facial recognition software that could be accessed by immigration officials. As a Tillamook County commissioner and the county liaison to the library for the past seven years, I would like to set forth the facts.
What is true: the library has installed new security cameras at the entrances of all of the branch locations to promote safety for patrons and staff. Libraries are warm, open, and public spaces where everyone is welcome. Occasionally that includes people who violate library rules intended to keep people safe. The cameras will create a visual record of who has entered the library in case a violation of library behavior rules occurs. The cameras are not yet in use, while the library updates its policies.
It is also true that the cameras have a facial recognition software option; however, the library has no current plan to enable that feature. The library takes privacy as a core and fundamental value for its users. There are strict limitations about access to images or video from the library. The library director or one of two senior librarians are the people authorized to release images and video footage.
Anyone who has questions or concerns about the library is invited to contact Tillamook County Library Director Don Allgeier. Don welcomes the opportunity to engage with community members about the library system. Please rest assured that security cameras are intended to enhance safety and security for all of the library’s valued patrons.
Sincerely,
Mary Faith Bell
Tillamook County Commissioner