NYPL Summer Reading Challenge Privacy Policy

Welcome! The New York Public Library (the "Library") takes privacy seriously. Below we explain the information that we collect and how we use it to deliver Summer Reading services (which we sometimes refer to as the "Website").

So, what information does the Library collect?

Registration Under 13

The Website does not collect personal information (as defined by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)) from children under 13 years of age without obtaining verifiable parental consent for such collection in compliance with COPPA.  We do not ask for more information than is necessary for a child under the age of 13 to participate in the activity. We take steps to prevent children under 13 years of age from posting or publicly disclosing personal information.  Children under 13 years of age register on the Website anonymously by providing a user name and password, which is created by selecting from a drop-down menu of options.  The Website automatically generates a username and password based on the options selected from the drop-down menu. This information is not used to contact you outside the Website. It is only used to allow us to operate the Website and allow you to use the Website, but will be shared with your local library.  If you have questions about COPPA or kids' internet safety generally, visit http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/kids-online-safety.  

Registration Above 13

For those who are 13 years of age or older, we require an email address in order to register on the Website. We will use this information to communicate any updates to this Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.  Once registered, we will either collect from you or import from your existing library card record the following personal information: name, email, display name, date of birth, and branch library.  We allow a free text selection of a display name that will be displayed to you within the Website and a password. This information is not used to contact you outside the Website. It is only used to allow us to operate the Website and allow you to use the Website, but will be shared with your local library. 

Analytics

We use a third party, Google Analytics, to collect information about your use of the website. We track data about traffic to the Website and your visit to and experience on the Website, which information we use to improve the Website structure and content. This third party is prohibited from sharing user data. For more information on Google Analytics, visit http://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/.

IP Addresses

We log your IP address (which tells us what computer you are using) for systems administration purposes to assist with the internal operations of the Website. IP addresses are not used to track your session. This information only helps us determine how often different areas of our site are visited. We do not link IP address to any information that is personally identifiable.

Cookies

We use persistent cookies to track how you use the Website and to personalize your experience on the Website. “Cookies” are small pieces of information that are stored by your browser on your computer’s hard drive. For example, by showing when and how you and others visit the Website, cookies help us to see which pages of the Website are popular and which are not.

Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can disable this function so that your browser will not accept cookies. If you decide to disable, it’s important to understand that many of our services may not function properly without them.

How does the Library use this information?

Information that we collect on Summer Reading is not shared with any other user at this time. However, the information is made available to the local library that is running your reading program using the Website. Your local library has an administrative account with Summer Reading to monitor the reading progress of the children registered with Summer Reading and affiliated with that library.  We use your email address to communicate with you about Summer Reading, library programs and fundraising initiatives.  We use the cookies to recognize you when you come back so that your reading list is available to you. We may use and share aggregated information that does not identify you when it enables us to improve and enrich the Website. We may also use aggregated information from the Website for research, fundraising and other educational and statistical purposes.  We also have the ability to use and share your information in the event we believe doing so is necessary to operate the Website or where such disclosure may be required by law.

Does this Privacy Policy change?

Yes.  We reserve the right to change our policies at any time without notice.  Any changes to this Privacy Policy will be posted here, and we encourage you to check back from time to time to see the most current version of our Privacy Policy.  We will also keep prior version of this Privacy Policy in an archive for your review.          

Is my information safe?

Yes.  We are dedicated to preventing unauthorized access, maintaining information accuracy, and ensuring the proper use of information.  In particular, we use encryption technology, password protection, and secure servers to prevent unauthorized access to electronic records and information.  Be aware that we process information on cloud based servers provided by third parties that may have their servers in many countries around the world.  By submitting your information through our Website you indicate your consent to the transfer of your information outside of the United States where it may be subject to different data protection laws.  

How do I access my information?

If you want to review, access or change your personal information  in our records, please contact your local library running the Summer Reading or go here and enter your username and password.

Internet Safety

The Website may link to, or be linked to, other websites not maintained by the Library. The internet links lots of different websites that are all maintained and provided by different people. The Library can't control what other websites do or what information they collect. You should never disclose your name or address or other information that identifies you or what you look like to anyone online without asking your parent or guardian. You should always check for a privacy policy on any website you visit.

Contacting Us

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at The New York Public Library (http://www.nypl.org/ask-nypl).