HB 314 threatens libraries statewide based on a lie

March 18, 2023

Anyone who knows that our state's libraries follow the law and do not include pornography on their shelves should complain to their Idaho representative and senator about House Bill 314. This bill, which passed a House committee, supports the lie some are telling, that our libraries have pornography. They do not. Because of that lie, community library patrons will be pitted against our librarians under HB 314.

Under this bill, community members are to turn in libraries if patrons consider any materials in our libraries to be "pornographic" to their particular way of thinking. This would include religious groups who would ban books of many types that most of us would consider enlightening or thought provoking.

Also, a heavy fine would be assessed against any library that has materials considered "pornographic" to those "offended."

Under this horrible bill, libraries like our beleaguered Boundary County Library would be socially and financially burdened by the lie to prove its innocence in court.