Opinion by Tom Hanley, Community Library Network Trustee
"Yes—people still do use libraries. In fact, over 56,000 visits were made to our local Community Library Network (CLN) in just January and February of this year. Who has oversight of our local libraries? By Idaho code § 33-2715, our board of trustees which consists of five elected members oversees our libraries. The majority of the board is comprised of individuals “recommended” by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC). Unlike the North Idaho Republicans, a RINO (Republican In Name Only) group in my opinion, the KCRCC is part of the official Republican party of Idaho.
I was a KCRCC–recommended candidate in 2023, and after nearly two years in office, I am happy to inform the voters of what this board has actually accomplished, and what I see on the board’s immediate horizon. The following are a few of the board’s deliverables:
Disassociated from woke American Library Association
A cost-saving measure, and to sever CLN’s ties to an organization the board views as a primary purveyor of material inappropriate for minors.
No tax increase for fiscal year 2024; only 1% for 2025
With the exception of 2 COVID years, the prior boards approved the maximum 3% increase for 8 of the previous 10 fiscal years.
Increased Staff Compensation and Benefits
Approved a generous staff pay increase without raising taxes. Converted several part-time jobs into full-time positions, enabling employees greater opportunities for advancement and access to benefits.
Removed CLN Employment references to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
DEI is seen by many as a form of discrimination. Instead, the new employment policies favor the promotion of meritocracy and Equal Opportunity Employment. Note: The current board boldly accomplished this in August 2024 (before the presidential election, when doing so was considered taboo).
Hired Conservative Library Director Aligned with Community’s Values
The new Director is supportive and strongly aligned with CLN Board’s goals, reflective of the community’s values and the voting majority.
Implemented an Innovative Minor’s-Focused Materials Acquisition Policy
Restricting the procurement of any children’s materials deemed harmful to minors in compliance with the Idaho Children’s School and Library Protection Act (18-1517B). With these new policies, CLN is leading the way in Idaho.
Created Mature Content Collection areas & new Minor’s Access Card
The outcome permits adult access to all library collections. In this way, if parents wish to allow their minors access to the Mature Content collection, parents may check the materials out for them at anytime. The Minor’s Access Card is a two-tiered system whereby parents may limit their child’s ability to only check out material from the children’s collection, or from the entire general collection, minus the Mature Content Collection."
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