Photography, Filming, and Videography Policy


It is the policy of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of the City of St. Louis Municipal Library District (the "Library") to permit filming and photography under the conditions described herein only to the extent that it does not interfere with the operations, programs and activities of the Library, and is consistent with the Library's Bylaws.

The Board hereby authorizes filming and photography in Library facilities as follows:

  1. Classes or events sponsored by the St. Louis Public Library (SLPL) may be photographed or video-recorded by the Library’s staff or its representatives. Attendance at an SLPL-sponsored class or event constitutes the consent of all attendees, and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, or other use of photographs or videos at the sole discretion of the St. Louis Public Library.
  2. Casual amateur photography, filming, and videotaping is permitted in the lobby, study and program areas of Library facilities for customers and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit, provided that the photography does not interfere in any way with library operations or capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. Any such photographers are responsible for arranging all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed. Except as otherwise permitted in paragraph 3 by the Library itself, in no circumstances may anyone take a photo or film a Library customer without the consent of the customer, or their parent/guardian, if a minor.
  3. Except as permitted by applicable law, no commercial or media photography or filming may occur in Library facilities without the prior written permission and approval of the PR Manager. Such approval shall contain the conditions under which the commercial/media photography or filming will take place, and address the rights to ownership of the photos/films.
    • For commercial/media requests, please call 314-539-0305 or email jhatton@slpl.org.
    • For wedding/engagement, senior or family portraits, fill out this form. The form will not be valid until approval and a confirmation number are received.
  4. The Library may utilize photos and videos from public programs and events at Library facilities and Library spaces on its website and in Library publications. Photos, images, and videos submitted to the Library by users for online galleries or contests may also be used by the Library for promotional purposes. To ensure the privacy of all individuals, including children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
  5. Any consent granted pursuant to this policy to permit photography or filming may be revoked at any time upon failure to comply with terms of the policy or other rules and regulations of the Library.

Adopted by the Board of Directors, June 2020

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