'The change is painful'; Idaho library becoming 'adult only' because of restrictions of new law

DONNELLY, Idaho - A small library in the mountains of central Idaho will move to an adults-only facility in order to comply with new restrictions put in place by Idaho law.

The Donnelly, Idaho Public Library District announced the change last week.

The library district said it was "deeply saddened" by the passing of HB710.

The law establishes a statewide policy calling for the review and removal of material considered to be "harmful."

The law sets to define materials as harmful to minors if they include sexual conduct, nudity or acts of homosexuality."

It also allows people to sue libraries and schools if that material is accessible to children.

The Donnelly Library District said their small library, only 1,024 square feet, doesn't allow it to separate 'grown up' books to be out of the range of children.

"In order to comply with the legislation, we will be transitioning our library to be an adult only library as of July 1st," reads a letter posted on the library district's Facebook page.

The library district says it's committed to still serving children in the community through after-school programs and summer learning

Kids will be allowed to participate with a signed waiver.

"The change is painful and not what we had hoped for at all," the library district wrote. "We desire to comply with state and federal legislation, but because of size, we have to protect our staff, our library, and our taxpayer money."

The letter encourages people to donate to a library expansion fund.

"Without expansion we cannot comply and have to make the necessary adjustment."

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