Invisible Ink - Vol. 7
January 2024 Newsletter
Hey friends!
Buckle up - the Idaho Statehouse is officially in session. Things happen fast during session, so this will just be a quick check-in. To start off, we love sharing info and supporting libraries and library workers, but we are not the best place to track bills. We can’t keep up, and there are good groups already doing that work--we suggest the following sources to stay up to date.
Follow ILA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idaho__libraries/ (that’s @ idaho double-underscore libraries)
Join ILA to support and get info in your inbox (this is different information than goes out on the LibIdaho Listserv!)
Sometimes it is hard to write a thoughtful letter to your elected representative when you are mad or frustrated. It can be cathartic to list out all the things they’ve done that you don’t like, but people don’t often listen to feedback presented that way. One thing you can do is tell them a personal story that communicates how much you care about the rights and freedoms you value that are made possible by your library. Here’s a template we’ve created to help you draft that out (click “Make a Copy” to create your own copy you can edit).
Good news!
Did y’all see that Read In at the Statehouse? Approximately 400 library supporters came out in blizzard forecast and arctic temps to read in the People’s House. Due to road closures and weather, many Idahoans could not make it, but their spirit was felt for sure. See all those cute shirts at the rally? When you buy them, they help support ILA!
Sometimes good news is paired with bad news. The bad news is HB 384. The good news is 400 registered to testify in opposition and only 72 in support. The other good news is that it has been held back. (See? It’s hard to keep up). More good news is that we heard from lawmakers that they know all our calls and letters helped! We know it’s not over, so stay informed and stay diligent!
James Patterson now follows us! Does this mean SSLF has hit the big time? Keeping this news to ourselves has been the HARDEST part of being a secret society so far.
Advocacy
Why does it seem like everyday ILA, or another org we care about, is asking us to contact our lawmakers? Because contacting our elected officials is an important part of the process in this community and imperative to maintain a healthy democracy.
‘But they don’t listen to me anyways!’ While it may feel that way, other lawmakers are, and your testimony, whether written, in person or virtual, is on public record. Journalists use those numbers to tell the real story.
‘My employer discourages speaking out at events or in Statehouse.’ That is unfortunate, however your employer cannot stop you from writing a letter or calling your elected officials.
‘I am not a US citizen, but these bills hurt my kids who are, and my community.’ You can still contact the representatives in your district, you just can’t vote. You can also help educate and get the word out!
‘There is no way I could ever make it to the Statehouse to testify. I live really far away in rural Idaho.’ I bet it is so pretty where you live! As long as you have access to the internet, you can submit public testimony remote. Sometimes it’s as easy as clicking for/against on a bill from the Legislative website once the testimony time is open. Is your internet bad? You can call and submit testimony too!
ILA support
If you’re a member, you get updates right to your inbox--how efficient!
ILA has two online “stores” you can purchase from, and all proceeds go to support the non-profit organization. This is especially important right now because it funds ILA's lobbyist. Designs have been created by Idaho library workers and donated to ILA to raise funds.
ILA Bonfire - for shirts, sweaters, tote bags, and hats
ILA RedBubble - for notebooks, magnets, mugs, pillows, hats, tote bags, mouse pads, etc.
Glitter Ink
Glitter goes to Chris Mathias explaining the library bills in weekly updates that are every Monday on instagram.
Glitter goes to IEA for testifying against HB 384.
Glitter goes to Melissa Wintrow for speaking at the Idaho Read In.
Glitter goes to the public library board members we saw at the Read In! We know it’s tricky out there so we won’t share names. But know that we saw you, staff saw you, and staff felt supported by that.
Glitter goes to KTVB for pointing out how Big Brother Crane might not have followed the rules.
Security Ink
Speak up! But…remember to be so boring you don’t go viral.
As a public employee it is important that you NOT engage in any political activity while you are on the clock. Examples of political activity: advocating for or against a candidate or ballot measure, etc.
Things that ARE allowed while at work include: neutrally encouraging voters to vote, balanced discussion or debate on current issues in an educational context, etc.
On your own time and using your own resources, you have the legal right to engage in an assortment of political speech and activity.
For more information, here’s a link to a zine about this topic that you can download and print yourself.
More guidance at the Boise Public advocacy toolkit.
Secret Scribbles
Psst….have you, a family member, or friend thought about running for elected office? Perfect! Stay tuned to your inbox and our Twitter (X) account for details about a FREE online training in early February.
Link Round-up
Bill O’Reilly is sad and doesn’t understand why his books were banned.
Look what happened in Iowa! And we mean Iowa. We are not confusing it with Idaho. We know where we are.
Sympathetic Ink
You’re awesome! Yes, YOU! We’ve asked around. ;)
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.