Invisible Ink - Vol. 2
Libraries have been in the NEWS this week
As you might have seen, some Meridian residents filed a petition to dissolve the Meridian Library District. At roughly the same time, and as of this writing, House Bill 139 has launched into the Legislature with the goal of litigating libraries into non-existence. SocialistlyAwkward made a great TikTok speaking to the problems with HB 139.
Here are two ways to make a difference right now:
Email House Education Committee members ASAP to let them know that you don't want HB 139 to be heard.
You can also sign this petition to show your support of Idaho libraries and make sure you get counted in opposition to HB 139.
This Week
We've got a bit of a lengthy newsletter this week with a variety of ways to use your voice to share with your elected officials how you want them to represent you.
Support the Meridian Library District: There has been an outpouring of support for MLD, which is great to see! We have seen many social media posts, heard of cards and snacks sent to staff, and know people are asking how they can help. Spreading the word and sending snacks always helps, but so does getting involved in the process. Please contact the Ada County Commissioners to send support. In addition, while MLD is an independent district and not a city library, contacting Meridian City Council shows support.
There is a process, and we want to believe the Commissioners will follow the process and listen. Here are some things you can share:
Statistics from the MLD press release
Last year over 1 million items checked out
Approximately 30,000 people attended events
Over 700 programs were held
Your own public library story if you have one
Voters have demonstrated support by passing measures to construct new branches.
Here is what we know about the Commissioners:
Dayley has been known to believe in the process and listen to constituents, and could be convinced no.
Davidson, based on his campaign, will likely side with dissolvement.
Beck could be swayed to vote no and believes in upholding the Idaho constitution.
If you live in the Treasure Valley, or more specifically, Meridian, check out MLD Foundation FB page for more local ways to get involved.
Link Round-up
Print and share signs in support of libraries, first amendment rights, and the freedom to read - by the Society of Secret Library Friends -2/23
A review of Idaho Code and "obscene" materials - by the Society of Secret Library Friends - 1/23
2023 Legislation of Concern - by EveryLibrary - 1/23/23, updated regularly
Get Ready, Stay Ready: A Community Action Toolkit for Parents and Caregivers - sponsored by University of South Carolina, Penguin Random House, and EBSCO Information Services - last updated 12/12/22
Security Ink - Take Care of Yourself While Advocating
Advocating can be hard and exhausting work, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming to even know how to advocate or be an ally. You don't have to do something big for it to matter. This week, look for an opportunity to start a conversation. You could tell an acquaintance why libraries are important to you and ask them about their library experiences. Perhaps you remind a colleague how their work makes a difference. Or maybe you write down how you would respond to someone sharing misinformation about pornography in libraries so you're prepared when the conversation comes up. When you're done, take a deep breath. And another. One more. Stretch overhead. Shake your arms out. Great work. Now go hydrate and congratulate yourself. When you're feeling up to it, we've put together a list of additional ways you can use your voice to advocate for libraries with the Idaho Legislature.
Sympathetic Ink - Library Worker Pep Talks
We've launched a Google Voice number you can dial when you're preparing to give testimony on behalf of libraries, schools, museums, or other amazing educators. We see you, the work you're doing, and the difference it makes every day for people who may never get to tell you about the impact you made on their life. We know that speaking up and using your voice can be scary and intimidating and hard. Call (208) 918-1584 and wait through the rings (ignore the part about stating your name) to hear the dulcet tones of a library ally cheering you on.
You can leave a message in return, if you want. Share your struggles, your hopes, your fears. We won't share your words unless you give us explicit permission in the message to do so. While a trouble shared isn't always a trouble halved, giving voice to our worries can sometimes loosen their hold. Know we're here on the other side, listening to and rooting for you.
Thanks for being here with us. Want to get more involved? Drop us a line, and we'll be in touch. Want to share the word? Forward this email to a friend and encourage them to sign up.
We're a group of library workers and allies joining together to support libraries in Idaho.
We believe libraries are a public good that better our communities through education and access to resources. We seek to share talking points in support of the work libraries do, develop systems and tools to support library workers, and create paths for library friends to speak in support of libraries.