EDITORIAL: New kid on library block stands out

Martin Walters had barely unloaded his kayak into North Idaho’s choppy waters before culture war rapids swept him up.

The new director of the region’s Community Library Network had been on the job less than a week when last Thursday’s meeting, yet another controversial, highly emotional gathering, carried him at breakneck speed through razor sharp rocks and head-high branches.

Walters didn’t just come through unharmed. He navigated the potentially disastrous meeting without getting a drop of water on him. If there was any moisture at all, it came from library patrons’ grateful tears. 

Confronted with his first potential crisis, Walters had stood up and with astute diplomacy told library trustees where to shelve their overzealous ideas about creating a “smut room” — the policy proposal declaring any materials even remotely considered obscene should be kept under lock, key and surveillance cameras.

"We are specialists in information, so I would hope that that trust would be extended to me as the director here," Walters said in recommending the policy be put aside so library employees could do their jobs.

He went further, speaking respectfully and clearly. The packed audience responded with applause.

"I am a professional librarian who believes that libraries have been and should continue to be neutral, balanced institutions. We are not agents of social change," he said.

"The public library is a neutral institution. It is not religion, it's not politics, none of that stuff comes into play. That's what I believe as a professional librarian, that's what I'm going to deliver here at the Community Library Network."

Walters said he’s aware the community supports its libraries and the professionals who staff them. He absolutely got that right. 

He didn’t need to say that the same level of trust does not extend to the three trustees in control of the board because that would be counterproductive. Also, most patrons already know that.

Walters' academic and professional credentials, many tracing to educational and professional achievement in Canada — including two decades in leadership positions at public, academic and school libraries — gave weight to his words. This was not some interested party; this was an expert eager to do his job. 

Let’s give credit where it’s due. CLN trustees, whether or not they fully understood what they were buying, hired a leader who has passed his first test with flying colors.

One meeting does not guarantee a long, public-focused tenure, but it’s a promising start.

And as for that public, Walters is right again: These communities respect and appreciate their library professionals and will back them against all threats.

Even and especially those that come from the top.