Why are people holding signs outside my library?
On July 1, 2024 a new law takes effect in Idaho. HB710, known as the Library Bounty Bill, allows anyone to sue our Idaho school and public libraries to have books removed from shelves. This censorship law opens the door to an unending stream of lawsuits that will waste taxpayer funds, potentially bankrupt libraries, and restrict access to books and resources. The Donnelly, Idaho library has already decided to close its doors to children because of this law - other libraries may follow suit. The full impact of the law remains to be seen.
What Can I do About It?
Vote for candidates that support our local libraries and value the freedom of speech. Raise awareness by talking with family and friends and sharing our posts on social media. Write letters to your elected representatives and attend library board meetings - let our elected officials know that you love your library and oppose book bans.
Quick
Here in Idaho:
in 2023 according to the Idaho Library Association.
who are black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC).
to sue Idaho’s public and school libraries in order to get books removed from shelves.
Our tax dollars will be wasted on lawsuits and it could bankrupt or shut down some libraries.
Nationwide:
Facts
About the Alliance
The Library Alliance of North Idaho is a grassroots movement.
We support local libraries, raise community awareness about library issues, educate, and fight against censorship.
We are an all volunteer group of librarians, teachers, parents, leaders, and book lovers who care about our community.
We come from a variety of backgrounds and hold a wide range of political and religious ideologies - but we all share the belief that the freedom of speech is essential to the survival of democracy. We believe that libraries should be safe and welcoming places for everyone.
The Library Alliance of North Idaho was previously known as the Community Library Network Alliance, but we’ve changed our name and expanded our mission to include all of our North Idaho libraries.
You can donate to the Library Alliance on Venmo: @LANIREADS
Click on your library’s logo to visit their official website.
Learn how to get a library card and discover all the cool resources our libraries offer!
The Community Library Network includes the libraries at Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Athol, Spirit Lake, Pinehurst, Harrison, and a bookmobile that serves most of Kootenai and Shoshone counties. Trustees were elected for six year terms in a county election.
The Coeur d’Alene Public Library is a city library.
Trustees are appointed by the mayor and the city council to serve five year terms.
The Cooperative Information Network is a consortium of libraries located in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington. Visit their page, click “about” then “find a library” to get info on a library near you.
The East Bonner County Library District has branch locations in Sandpoint, Clark Fork, and a bookmobile serving parts of Bonner county.
News & Links
(UPDATE: HB710 was signed into law and goes into effect July 1)
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