Community Library Network selects new director, fills vacancies

POST FALLS — In a statement released Wednesday evening, the board of trustees for the Community Library Network announced Martin Walters has been selected as the new CLN library director.

According to the news release from Trustee Tim Plass, Walters is a librarian with 20 years of experience in leadership positions at public, academic and school libraries.

During the 2023 CLN library director search, he was a finalist. Walters has worked as a library director at three libraries in Canada with five years in his current placement in Bow, N.H. 

He has a master's degree in English literature from the University of Toronto and a master's degree in library science from the University of British Columbia. He succeeds Alexa Eccles, who served as CLN library director for 13 months.  

Assistant Director Lindsey Miller-Escarfuller will serve as interim director from July 8 until mid-September, when Walters steps into the role.  

Board Chair Rachelle Ottosen said Miller-Escarfuller has been able to help speed up the work of the board, presenting a "more sustainable budget with reasonable suggestions that should completely balance the budget.”

Yasmin Harris was appointed to fill the role of treasurer and has a background in business and finance and spoke of a passion for serving the community and an opportunity to better get to know North Idaho libraries.

“I believe that libraries are an invaluable resource and one which I want my children to value as well,” Harris said. 

The board announced it is currently focused on developing and approving the FY25 budget.

    Trustees of the Community Library Network hold their annual meeting in June at the Harrison Library. From left: Tim Plass, Rachelle Ottosen, Vanessa Robinson, Tom Hanley, Colton Boyles, Lindsey Miller-Escarfuller and Janelle Sells.