By Clarice McKenney
Boundary County Library supporters hope a new project they helped develop called Library Love Letters will shift the focus from misinformation to all the wonderful services our libraries and librarians bring to the community.
A group of concerned citizens, worried that a recent law enacted by the Idaho Legislature would perpetuate lies and damage the library, launched a project organized by Kathryn Larson. Larson is also running for the legislature in our district for seat 1B.
“HB710 became law over strong objections from many of us around the state,” she explained in a telephone interview this week. “HB710 brings big government into our libraries and creates distractions for librarians. It distracts them from educational enrichment to legal restrictions. Do we expect them to babysit anyone under 18, to make sure they don’t pick up a book their parents might not like? A major flaw in the law is vague definitions that purposefully allow a wide flexibility under which all books could be challenge. This vagueness means that when librarians comply with the law by putting books in a restricted area, they may be breaking first amendment laws that protect free speech. Once again, our legislators have passed laws that will cost taxpayers more money in lawsuits to sort out the mess. And, in the meantime, our librarians and our children suffer.”
The Library Love Letters project, which also includes Bonner County Libraries, already has developed a rich set of stories, Larson explained by email recently.
“Our librarians work hard every day to create rich experiences for the people in our communities,” she wrote. “The Priest River library held a story hour this month that drew 60 children from the community. We want to focus on the stories that showcase the ways in which the libraries nurture our communities.”
Larson gave a few examples of stories posted on the Library Love Letters site:
“The day I got my library card was one of the most amazing days of my life”
“How do I love you, East Bonner County Library? Let me count the ways.” This writer gave 10 reasons, from the sense of belonging to the neighboring county’s library to specific examples.
“I … live in … Florida, and I’m always floored that the Sandpoint Library offers so much more than my county’s central and branch libraries.”
“Every time I walk into the library, it is filled with people. I see kids walking out with books piled high in their arms and grins on their faces.”
“We want to shine a spotlight on libraries so people will see how they nurture and sustain our communities,” said local volunteer Amy Brown who came up with the name for the project. “We have several story readings planned. Watch for popup readings of stories over the coming months. Please get involved. Let us know your favorite library experience. Help spread the word.”
Brown, Nancy Wycoff and Jo Len Everhart are among the local volunteers helping with this effort. The group helped develop bookmarks explaining how to submit Library Love Letters. Look for them in businesses around town.
Anyone with a good story to share about our Boundary County Library or libraries in Clark Fork, Priest River, Sandpoint or Blanchard is encouraged to pick up a bookmark or go directly to the SendALibraryLoveLetter website.
To learn more, call Brown at (208) 290-8413.