Dubuque County Library District

The role of the Dubuque County Library District (DCLD) is to provide opportunities that will allow individuals to freely examine subjects and make their own decisions. While customers are free to reject for themselves what they do not approve of, they cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of access to others.

The DCLD board and director are aware that customers may take issue with the inclusion of specific items, programs, or practices, and they welcome the expression of concern by patrons. Patron concerns will be dealt with promptly and courteously as detailed in the following process.

Concerned patrons are encouraged to contact the library director to arrange to discuss these issues. Should that discussion prove unfeasible or fail to address the patron’s concerns, they may complete and submit a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form (available at all branches).

• After receipt of a “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form, a committee will be formed consisting of a least two board members, the director, and one library professional whose job description includes responsibilities relevant to the patron’s concern.
• The committee will thoroughly review the item, program, or policy in question, consider the patron statement, and send a recommended response to the DCLD board.
• The DCLD board will approve or reject the committee’s recommendation at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.
• Please note this board meeting will be conducted in open session and the “Statement of Concern about Library Resources” form will be made public.
• The decision of the DCLD board is final.
• The director will respond to the patron in writing to explain the board’s decision.

Adopted 12/20/2022