CLN board advances adults-only library rooms

POST FALLS — Community Library Network board members recently moved ahead with creating adults-only rooms in CLN libraries in Kootenai County.

So far, CLN has received 17 requests for relocation of material and no requests for reconsideration of materials since the harmful materials law went effect July 1, 2024, according to Library Director Martin Walters. 

An item is eligible to be reconsidered for relocation only once in a three-year period unless the board determines sufficient new compelling evidence is introduced.

Along with the 17 requests from the public, Walters said library staff removed 140 titles for review.

“I would just like to reassure the board that none of the 140 items have been removed from the collection or should be considered out of circulation," Martin said. “It’s got nothing to do with viewpoint or censorship."

The Press has requested a list of the titles removed or relocated but has yet to receive the list from the CLN.

According to meeting documents, the review process follows a specific timeline. After a submission is made, CLN staff, directed by the library director, must examine the material and recommend a decision within 10 business days. If a title is deemed harmful to minors, it must be relocated immediately. Otherwise, the case goes to the board of trustees for review, with a decision required within 60 days.

The final decision on the title in question “shall be implemented by CLN staff and the form submitter notified of the decision within five business days,” whether a decision is made by staff CLN trustees.  

CLN attorney Colton Boyles said the board is only tasked with evaluating whether the collections development department appropriately used the material selection and acquisition policy as a guide during the review process. 

“The board’s not actually tasked with reviewing the book,” Boyles said.

Boyles brought up an Arkansas case as potential fodder for lawsuits against the CLN if they take legal implications into account. 

An Arkansas school district’s decision to restrict access to Harry Potter books began a conversation over student free speech rights potentially being violated. The decision was overturned by a federal district court and the books were ordered returned to unrestricted circulation. 

“This case provides a cautionary tale for your board,” said Library Alliance of North Idaho President Theresa Birkett during public comments at the board meeting last week, adding that the restriction might open the CLN to “significant liability.” 

 Walters