Idaho public library labels itself adult-only following law removing books deemed ‘harmful’

A public library in Idaho is labeling itself as “adults only” to comply with a new state law that staff members said is “ambiguous.”

The library is not turning into an exotic, 18-and-up institution that sounds typical of an adults-only establishment. Instead, library staff members said they are complying with a new state law set to go into effect July 1.

“Donnelly Public Library was deeply saddened by the passing of HB710,” a statement from the library posted on Facebook reads. "Unfortunately, the ambiguous language in the legislation leaves us no options but to make some very drastic changes."

Staff members said in the statement that because the library is smaller, only 1,024 square feet, they must transition the entire building to only serve adults because they would not have room to separate the library.

“Our size prohibits us from separating our 'grown up' books to be out of the accessible range of children,” the statement continues. "In order to comply with the legislation we will be transitioning our Library to be an adult only library as of July 1st."

Under the new Idaho law, "obscene content" is to be "judged by the average person, applying contemporary community standards." Parents or guardians will be able to file complaints against material they deem inappropriate for minors. Once the complaint is filed, libraries have 60 days to relocate the material to an “adults-only” section.

If they do not comply, those who file complaints can receive $250 in statutory damages. Donnelly Public Library staff members said they must make the move to protect their taxpayer money.

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“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 statement reads.

After-school programming will continue at the library, and parents with children enrolled will need to sign a waiver “allowing the librarians the ability to carefully curate reading material specifically for their programs.”