All records, formal and informal, maintained by the Dickinson Area Public Library that relate to patron inquiries, registration, reading history, materials consulted, or computer usage are considered confidential. We affirm patrons’ freedom to read, as set forth in the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement.
Records are required for maintaining the use of library materials. Circulation records are kept to protect public property. Summary statistics of library use are kept to measure organizational activity. Records are not used for the purpose of monitoring a user’s reading or pursuit of information.
Any record maintained or received by Dickinson Area Public Library that provides a patron’s name, or information sufficient to identify a patron, together with the subject about which the patron requested information, is considered private and is exempt from the public records disclosure requirements of NDCC 44-04-18 pursuant to NDCC 40-38-12 and shall not be made available upon request to a third party.
Library records will not be released to individuals, the public, the media, or any government agency except when required pursuant to a court order, search warrant, or subpoena. Only the Library Director, or their representative, is authorized to release requested records under these circumstances. A complete record of the information released, a signed receipt form, and a copy of the court order, search warrant, or subpoena will be retained in a file designated by the Library Director. Should any questions arise, the Library Director will consult the Library Board and the City Attorney.
An exception to this policy is for parents or legal guardians whose child or ward has materials checked out. Upon the request of the parent or legal guardian, the titles and due dates of materials will be provided so that the materials may be reviewed, returned, or replacement costs paid. Identification will be required from the parent or guardian.
Further, at the time of library card creation or at any time thereafter, a parent or guardian may place a parental block on the library card of their child or ward. This block, once established, prohibits the child or ward from checking out materials without their parent or guardian present and may only be disabled by the parent or guardian until the child or ward reaches the age of majority, at which time they may request that the block be removed.
Updated by the Library Board June 11, 2026