Invisible Ink - Vol. 4
Intro
It's been a little over 5 weeks since the Idaho Legislature gaveled out on April 6th without passing any of the library bills that percolated up during the 2023 session. Many of us let out a collective sigh of relief, and took a much needed break from our advocacy efforts. This work can be exhausting and we applaud you for your support and knowing when you need to take a break and recharge. Nice work! Hopefully that break has opened up space for you to think about elections that may be coming up in your area on May 16th.
Elections
Voting in local elections is one of the ways you can make sure your voice is heard. This is especially true for library elections, as they impact the personal and professional lives of library staff. There are 10 library elections on ballots from all corners of Idaho on May 16th. Not sure if there is one in your area? Below is a list of Library District Trustee Elections from the Idaho Secretary of State posted on Twitter
Ada County - Meridian Library District, Kuna Library District (Joint with Canyon County), Ada County Free Library District
Bannock County - Portneuf Library District
Bingham County - Blackfoot Rural Library District
Bonner County - East Bonner Library District
Boundary County - Boundary County Library District
Canyon County - Kuna Library District (Joint with Ada County)
Kootenai County - Consolidated Free Library District (Joint with Shoshone County)
Latah County - Latah County Library District
Madison County - Madison Library District
Shoshone County - Consolidated Free Library District (Joint with Kootenai County)
In addition to local library elections, many school districts have elections on the May 16th ballot. Check with your County Clerk's office for details in your area.
This one is on us!
If you'll be in the Treasure Valley on Election Day, Tuesday, May 16th, we're giving away 70 glasses of wine at Shadow Puppet on Vista in Boise. You just gotta show up with your "I Voted" sticker or something (shirt, button, etc.) showing your support for libraries.
Link Round-up
Library officials file police report, citing online ‘threat’ to staff - The Sandpoint Reader
Library trustees sue over campaign letters - Coeur d’Alene Press
A bright silver lining shines through an ugly cloud of misinformation in North Idaho - Idaho Capitol Sun
We Love You, Librarians! - Nosy Crow Blog
The real obscenity isn’t library porn, it’s propaganda - Idaho Ed News
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. We'll be doing a big push on this project this summer to public libraries, and school libraries in the fall.
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.