New director named for Coeur d'Alene library

The Coeur d’Alene Public Library has a new director.

Elizabeth Westenburg was tapped for the post by library trustees Thursday. She will start her new role Oct. 7.

"With 20 years of experience in public libraries, including three years at the Idaho State Archives, she has spent a decade in leadership and management roles," a press release said. "Elizabeth has taken on various responsibilities such as teen librarian, newsletter writer, front desk greeter, program planner, and her first job as a shelver."

She replaces Michael Priest, who started with the city in October 2020 and served nearly four years. He resigned in June. 

Priest oversaw a library with a budget of about $2 million, a staff of about 30 full- and part-time positions and offered services to nearly 30,000 cardholders. 

The library director's salary range is $85,259 to $103,177.

Westenburg will guide the library's efforts to adhere to a new law that established a statewide policy for reviewing materials that could be considered harmful to minors, including items with sexual content, nudity or homosexuality, Idaho Education News wrote. It took effect July 1. 

If a patron challenges an item, library officials have 60 days to remove or relocate it, after which the patron can file a lawsuit. A library that violates the law faces a mandatory $250 fine.

According to the press release, Westenburg's favorite library activities are hosting author events and recommending books.

"She has a profound love for reading across all genres and enjoys listening to multiple audiobooks simultaneously," the release said. 

Outside work, Westenburg and her partner love camping, paddleboarding and exploring.