LIBRARIES: Resist regressive policies

The Community Library Network’s new board majority of Rachelle Ottosen, Tom Hanley and Tim Plass has controlled library policy and the district budget for over a year, and their actions are undermining our community’s intellectual and cultural foundation.

Previously, the board established a fair policy allowing minors access to materials with parental permission, respecting parents’ rights while trusting library staff. The current board majority is challenging this policy, stripping parents of their ability to provide a full access card for their mature children. This not only questions parents’ rights but also undermines our library staff’s professionalism and expertise. 

The financial decisions made by this board are equally concerning. This year, my tax savings amounted to a mere $18.23, the price of one large pizza. I would gladly forgo this trivial savings to support a robust library system. The proposed budget for next year suggests a 33% reduction in new book acquisitions, a drastic cut in library hours, and a 30% decrease in staffing. Such measures will cripple the library’s ability to serve as a cornerstone of our community. 

This path is disastrously misguided. Libraries are essential community resources, fostering the free development of mind, imagination and thought. The Board majority’s actions are systematically dismantling these vital services, depriving us of the intellectual and cultural nourishment we need. Our duty is to resist these regressive policies and fight for the restoration of libraries and librarians to their deserved status and respect. We must stand firm against this erosion of our community resources to ensure libraries remain bastions of knowledge, freedom and opportunity for all.

PATRICK LIPPERT

Post Falls