North Idaho library network declines to change policy on kids accessing materials

POST FALLS, Idaho - Changes in how kids access materials in some North Idaho libraries will not change just yet, as library trustees try to balance a new state law with parental decisions.

The Community Library Network is responding to a new Idaho law which allows parents or guardians to challenge materials they deem to be harmful to minors. If the material is not removed, the parent or guardian can file a lawsuit and be responsible for damages.

Libraries across the state are struggling with how to implement the law; one small Idaho library even chose to restrict minors from even entering the library because it can't guarantee the "harmful" materials wouldn't be in close proximity to children.

The Community Library Network operates libraries in several north Idaho communities, including Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake.

On Wednesday, the board debated a change to its policy on library cards for minors.

Right now, the library network allows patrons under the age of 18 to have an open access library card with their parents' permission.

A new policy would prevent kids from having that access, even if it was okay with their parents.

Kids could only go into the adult section if a parent or guardian is present.

"If we've got a house bill saying children or minors cannot be given access by CLN to harmful material. We should not be giving them a card even if the parent says it's okay," said library board trustee Tim Plass. "Because we are at risk for what they're doing."

Wednesday, the board members expressed concern that this took away a parent's rights to decide what's okay for their own children.

Even the board's legal counsel suggested that the new policy is overreaching.

" My concern here is not the fringe of what can be accessed. It's the overbreadth of the restriction," said general counsel Colton Boyles. "P arental rights need to be protected. So we need to allow an avenue for parents to be more restrictive or less restrictive."

The board put the discussion on hold for now, suggesting they come up with a policy that was more of a "middle ground."

At a previous board meeting, a board member likened the new policy to laws about cigarettes, saying a parent can't allow their underage child to buy cigarettes, even with their permission.

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