Divide County Library Challenge Policy
Statement of Concern about Library Resources
Divide County Public Library believes in freedom of information for all and does not practice censorship. The selection of library materials is predicated on the patron’s right to read and freedom from censorship by others. Selections for the library are made solely on the merits of the material in relation to the development of a collection that serves the needs and interests of our library serving area.
A. The patron’s choice of library materials for personal use is an individual matter. Responsibility for the use of materials by children and adolescents rests with their parents or legal guardians. While a person may reject materials for himself or herself and for his or her children, the library patron cannot exercise censorship to restrict access to the materials by others.
B. Any patron in the library’s service area who objects to the presence or absence of a work may do so by completing the Statement of Concern about Library Resources form. The Divide County Library Board recognizes that a collection of diverse materials may result in some complaints or requests for reconsideration. The professional staff and the DC Library Board will review the challenge. The patron will be informed of the Board’s decision regarding the challenge.
C. The patron objecting to any library materials will be given the ALA Bill of Rights, Access to Materials Policy, and the Statement of Concern form. The form must be completed in its entirety before it will be considered for review by the Library Board and the Director.
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Library Resource Statement of Concern
The Library Board of the Divide County Public Library has authorized the use of this form as part of its Materials Selection Policy. When completed, this form should be returned to the Library Director, Divide County Library, POB 90, Crosby, ND 58730
Your Name __________________________________Date ______________
Address _____________________________City ______________________
Zip _________________ Phone _________________________________
Citizen represents: Self ____ Organization Name __________________________
Title of item ______________________________________________________________________
Author___________________________________________________________________________
Format (e.g. book, video, CD, etc.) ____________________________________________________
Did you read, view, or listen to the entire work? __________________________________________
Complainant represents: You ________ Other Group(identify)______________
A) To what in the book do you object? Please be specific: cite pages.
B) What do you feel might be the harmful result of reading this book?
C) Is there anything good about this book? Explain
D) Did you read the entire book? _______ If not, what parts and why?
E) Are you aware of the judgment of this book by competent reviewers?
F) What do you believe is the theme of this book?
G) What book of equal literary merit would you recommend giving more valuable content and perspective in the field to which the book relates?
H) Do you feel the book should be withdrawn from the library? _______
I) Do you feel its use should be restricted? _________ To whom? ___________
Signature of Complainant ___________________________________________
Date: _____________________________
Amended: 1/24/2023
Reviewed: 3/27/2025
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