Community Library Network director resigns

Community Library Network Director Alexa Eccles has resigned.

Eccles and the board of trustees announced this morning that Eccles' resignation will be effective July 7, ending her employment after 13 months.

While the announcement is unexpected, the Community Library Network will continue its path of change, the announcement said. Changes to several library policies must be in place by July 1, as mandated by House Bill 710, which lets children or their parents file legal claims against a public or school library if they obtain materials deemed harmful to minors. Trustees are also working to adopt a budget for fiscal year 2025 and are exploring alternative liability insurance coverages.

“Director Eccles has demonstrated exceptional leadership and integrity during this crucial period in the district’s history," Trustee Katie Blank, the longest-serving member and past board chair, said in the announcement. "Director Eccles is an outstanding individual and it has been my pleasure to work alongside her."

Chair Rachelle Ottosen on behalf of the board wishes Eccles well in her future endeavors, the announcement said.

The Community Library Network is one of Idaho’s largest public library districts with branches in Post Falls, Athol, Harrison, Hayden, Pinehurst, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake, as well as the bookmobile. The Post Falls and Athol libraries currently offer limited services as they undergo significant repairs caused by a January 2024 weather event.

Eccles’ departure follows previous director Amy Rodda’s resignation from the district in November 2022.

In the coming weeks, the board will discuss and communicate with the public and library staff succession plans for moving forward, the announcement said.