Karen Matthee puts her values into action. One example is the July 1, 2024, library rally that she organized to call attention to HB 710. This law states that school and library staff members who provide youths with materials deemed “harmful” to minors can be fined $250. Plaintiffs could receive uncapped damages resulting in wasted tax dollars on lawsuits and threaten to bankrupt or shut down some libraries.
In fact, Donnelly Public Library will no longer allow anyone under 18 to visit unless accompanied by a parent in order to avoid litigation they simply can’t afford.
The library rally drew over 80 people including retired librarians who expressed their appreciation to Karen Matthee for bringing attention to this issue. Karen Matthee then drove to Bonners Ferry to deliver care packages to their librarians to show her appreciation and concern.
Recently, Karen has been speaking with organizations such as the North Idaho Library Alliance. Karen Matthee has arranged for this group to come to Sandpoint to speak about how the law is affecting our libraries.
Karen Matthee is a candidate who uses her platform to bring attention to important issues. It’s easy to say you care about libraries. It’s another thing to actually do something that shows you care. You can see by her actions that Karen will fight for our libraries!
Karen Matthee who will always put her values into action for all of us! Join me in voting for Karen on November 5.
Susan Bates-Harbuck
Sandpoint