Information on HB 273 which amends RSA 201-D:11 Library User Records; Confidentiality. This amendment takes effect on January 1, 2026.
The Manchester City Library has adapted their Confidentiality and Registration policies in order to comply with HB 273, as well as a Parental/Legal Guardian form, and made them available to the NH library community.
MCL Confidentiality Policy 2026
MCL Parent or Legal Guardian Form 2026
Moultonborough Public Library requested guidance from Primex on limiting risk when complying with HB 273. This has also been made sharable. A link to the amended RSA 201-D:11 Library User Records; Confidentiality may be found here.
RSA 201-D Primex Sample policy
As always, if you have questions regarding your own policies, please consult Primex directly or your own legal counsel.
New Hampshire House Bill 273
NH HB 273: Relative to a parent’s access to their minor child’s library records.
All library records related to a minor’s current borrowing of printed library materials and audio-visual materials, such as DVDs and CDs, shall be available to the parent or legal guardian of the minor when requested by the parent or legal guardian listed on the library account. The bill will become effective on January 1, 2026.
HB 273 requires that libraries adopt a circulation policy and procedures to comply with the changes to RSA 201-D:11, but there has been little guidance as to how to comply. The Exeter Public Library trustees have written to the NH Attorney General asking for clarification. The letter may be read here. If your library has similar or additional questions, we recommend that you do the same.
Legislative Update 2025
NHLTA has compiled a list of 2025 NH legislation that included two laws that have an impact on libraries and action needed by trustee boards. LIST
How To Contact NH Representatives
You can contact representatives by email, fax, phone or letter at the contacts below.
- NH State Legislature
- Chris Pappas (1st District)
- Maggie Goodlander (2nd District)
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Maggie Hassan
How to Contact the NH Governor
You can contact Governor Kelly Ayotte by email, fax, phone or letter at the contact below: