Invisible Ink - Vol. 3
Intro
It's been a long six weeks since we saw this year's first library-related bill land in the Idaho Legislature. In case you've forgotten, that was HB 139 all the way back on February 13. There have been four additional bills since, only one backed and supported by the Idaho Library Association. Three of those are still up in the air (more on that below). We're nearing the end of the legislature, though there's still lots of work to be done. We encourage you to make sure you're measuring your capacity and taking breaks. This work is a long haul, and it will still be here after you take a rest.
Here are two things you can do to make a difference right now:
Reach out to your colleagues and friends. Check on them. It goes a long way.
Help us build a database of Idaho's school and library district elections. As legislative season heads toward a close, we're looking toward the coming months and ways we can support libraries. We're working to create a list of trustee elections as well as voting guides to help library supporters prepare to vote. Fill out this form to tell us about the school or library district elections you're aware of, as well as any candidates running or other information you think we should know.
Bill updates
As of this writing the legislative session is still happening, but could sine die any moment. We have written and re-written this section a few times this week. Here is what we know is still active (as of late 3/29):
314: the amended bill has civil cause of action but now refers to Idaho tort code because ICRMP stepped in and requested that.
S1187 or S1188 have yet to be heard, but are not dead.
From our understanding, all three will be heard March 30th.
The end of session is where things happen fast, and sometimes sloppy. Bills die, or are rushed through. It's a whirlwind.
We know it's exhausting but please keep reaching out to your elected officials. Public record will show that no matter how the elected officials vote, the people spoke. Don't forget to tell people you know about the impact of these bills on our communities. These topics are front and center for folks in libraries, but many of our friends still don't know that libraries (and the communities they support) are under attack.
Link Round-up
Bill updates - join the Idaho Library Association (sliding scale starts at $20/year) to get on their mailing list to receive updates on the legislature and action steps. You can also follow Rediscovered Books and The Cabin and sign up for their newsletters to get additional updates on bills and hearings impacting Idaho's libraries.
A great analysis of 1187 and 1188 - Geoffrey M. Wardle - March 26, 2023
ABC's of Getting Involved in Your Local Public Library event - hosted by Libraries For the People - happening April 15, 12-2 p.m. Mountain Time
How to Find Joy in Activism - NPR Life Kit - Andee Tagle & Mansee Khurana - updated June 10, 2022
"'Any time you are led by your values to do purposeful action in the hopes of making the world brighter for other people,' you're participating in activism, says Walrond. She calls it 'lightmaking.'"
"An important part of activism is finding ways to keep your passion ignited while avoiding burnout from the process. That's not always easy. 'Let's face it, we don't get into activism because things are great. We're usually angry or upset or sad about something,' says Walrond, 'So how do you tend to that soul fire? When is it time to take a break and let somebody else take the reins for a little bit?' The first thing to remember is that rest and joy are integral parts of the process."
Security Ink -
All types of activism carry with them some risk. The Digital First Aid Kit has tools for a variety of online problems, including a list of resources in case you're experiencing harassment, cyberstalking, and other forms of online attack. It also includes tools for activists. Take care of yourself. You're worth it. We are grateful you're here, and you are doing enough.
Sympathetic Ink -
Do you know someone in libraries or education who could use a supportive postcard? Email us and we'll get one shipped out to them with some encouraging words.
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.