Idaho library law draws jeers from Moscow residents

Around 80 people went to Moscow’s Friendship Square to show their support for libraries on the day a controversial Idaho library law goes into effect.

Monday was the first day libraries must obey Idaho House Bill 710, a new law that prohibits materials in libraries that are deemed “harmful to minors.”

Those who spoke at Monday’s event in Moscow expressed concerns about this law taking away freedom of choice for local libraries and parents. They also said it opens up libraries to costly lawsuits.

“HB 710 has the potential to overwhelm our libraries with costly legal battles,” said Gretchen Wissner, chairperson of the Latah County Democrats. “In fact, every library contains a book that will offend someone within their community.”

She mentioned that Donnelly Public Library announced it will be an adults-only library because of the new law. The library later announced plans to allow unsupervised children if their parents or guardians sign a waiver.

Saba Baig, vice chairperson of the Latah County Library Board, said libraries should not be partisan and that patrons should be allowed to make their own decisions about what to read.

“(Libraries) are not here to serve one viewpoint or one demographic or one community,” she said.

Baig said Latah County’s libraries already have a “rigorous” collection development policy that filters out obscene materials. This law, however, puts these libraries at risk of lawsuits and censorship.

“So regardless of merit, we have to expend time and staff resources and money evaluating and responding to each request,” she said. “Those are hard earned taxpayer dollars wasted for a redundant policy and procedure.”

HB 710 prohibits public and school libraries to prohibit certain materials from being made available to minors. Libraries must have a form that allows a person to request that materials are reviewed and relocated to an adults-only section. That person may also recover $250 in damages as well as “actual damages and any other relief available by law,” the bill says.

Kathy Dawes, who is running for the Idaho House in District 6, said Latah County Library District doesn’t have the resources to segregate material in an adults-only section if requested by a patron. So, it must remove the books instead.

“This is a very serious action and in fact results in book banning,” Dawes said.

Latah County resident Rhoda Mack attended Monday’s demonstration because she felt this law is a threat to American freedoms.

“Access to books is fundamental to democracy, period,” she said.

Ever Blume, a seventh grader at Moscow Middle School, volunteered to speak at the event in support of libraries because she is afraid her favorite books will be restricted. She was joined by her mother, Haven Blume, who opposed the bill from the beginning.

Haven Blume told the Daily News she grew up in a censored environment and appreciated libraries for introducing libraries to ideas and helping her learn who she is. Haven Blume said most of her family is queer and it is important they are represented in libraries.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.