A Message to Our Community

Library Privacy, Procedures and Law Enforcement

The Gail Borden Public Library is a welcoming space for all members of our community. We stand together for everyone in our community as a safe place to share experiences and gain knowledge. We provide the highest level of service to ALL library users through equitable services, access and unbiased information.

We welcome everyone at the library, and we're committed to respecting your privacy.

  • We do not ask for a customer's immigration status when they register for a Library card.
  • In accordance with the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/1), all library records, including customer registration and circulation information, are confidential and may not be published or made publicly available.
  • Gail Borden Library does not assist or collaborate with U.S. ICE agents in any way, unless we are legally obligated to provide information in compliance with a valid court order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) come to the Library?

  • Because the library is a public space, we are unfortunately limited in our ability to keep ICE agents from entering our parking lot and/or library building. However, library staff have protocol in place to ensure that Security is notified of any ICE presence in a timely manner.

Q: What happens if an ICE agent presents a warrant at the Library?

  • If an agent were to present a warrant, Library officials would follow the guidance of our legal counsel to ensure we respond appropriately and in compliance with the law.

Q: If an employee sees or hears of ICE activity at the Library, what should they do?

If Library staff encounters ICE officers on library property, we:

  • Can ask for the official’s name, badge number, and agency affiliation;
  • Will not provide any information or access to employee records without authorization, as other privacy laws protect this information;
  • Should refer ICE officers to the Library's designated contacts. 

For more information on 8 USC 1357: "Powers of immigration officers and employees" click here.

Important Links & Resources

Links

  • Confidentiality of Customer and Circulation Records - Gail Borden Public Library District complies with the Illinois State Library Records Confidentiality Act.
  • Immigration - Resource page with books, movies, local & statewide assistance and organization links. 
  • Resources for New Americans - This page provides comprehensive resources for citizenship and naturalization, including test preparation materials, information on the interview process, details on upcoming workshops and more.

Local Resources

  • ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society.
  • Illinois Emergency Family Planning Toolkit - Toolkit for Families at risk of separation with a checklist, constitutional rights cards, contact information sheet, State of Illinois power-of-attorney, and more provided by Forward Latino.
  • IDHS Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees - Lists resources offered by the State of Illinois and community-based organizations.
  • New Americans Initiative is a partnership between the State of Illinois and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
  • Centro de Información offers immigration services for a modest fee. They also offer family emergency planning support, power of attorney, short term legal guardianship, Know Your Rights training and free wraparound case management. For more information, contact them at (847) 695-9050.
  • YWCA provides immigration assistance including Naturalization, Asylum, DACA and green card renewals, ESL and Citizenship classes, and KYR workshops.
  • Illinois Immigration Info Central online hub for immigration related questions in IL managed by partners who have relationships with both Centro de Informacion and YWCA.
  • Illinois Attorney General – Civil Rights and Immigration Rights education and information for residents of Illinois.
  • Libraries and Immigration Enforcement - Illinois Library Association

National Resources

Updated 10/2/2025