Invisible Ink - Vol. 8
February 2024 Newsletter
ALERT: New Library Bill
A new library bill was presented in the Senate today (2/7/2024), “The Children’s School and Library Protection Act, S1289. IdahoEd News provides a summary of the new bill and gives some background on how we got here.
It is hard to imagine the amount of time and patience needed by our library supporters and ILA Legislative Team to get us to this point. Those who were part of the negotiations made some huge strides in favor of libraries. There is no mention of jail time in the new bill. Yay! The amount of the fine has been lowered. Yay! There’s no mention of an “adults only” restricted area. Yay! The inclusion of homosexuality as being “harmful to minors” has been removed. Yay!
However, we believe this is STILL a bill in search of a problem. This bill has the potential to harm libraries, library staff, and communities by mandating undue burdens, undermining the profession, and instilling fear. Any bill that leaves open the opportunity to fine libraries and bring legal action is unacceptable. We hope you agree and will reach out to your legislators about Senate Bill 1289.
Legislators respond best to messages that contain personal impact stories. A mix of fact and personal impact works well.
Here is a full list emails for all members of the Idaho Senate (you can copy/paste them into your email):
BAdams@senate.idaho.gov; KAnthon@senate.idaho.gov; TBernt@senate.idaho.gov; CBjerke@senate.idaho.gov; VBurtenshaw@senate.idaho.gov; CCarlson@senate.idaho.gov; KCook@senate.idaho.gov; LDenHartog@senate.idaho.gov; DForeman@senate.idaho.gov; SGrow@senate.idaho.gov; JGuthrie@senate.idaho.gov; MHarris@senate.idaho.gov; Phil.Hart@senate.idaho.gov; LHartgen@senate.idaho.gov; SHerndon@senate.idaho.gov; RJust@senate.idaho.gov; TLakey@senate.idaho.gov; ALee@senate.idaho.gov; BLenney@senate.idaho.gov; DLent@senate.idaho.gov; TNichols@senate.idaho.gov; DougO@senate.idaho.gov; ARabe@senate.idaho.gov; DRicks@senate.idaho.gov; JRuchti@senate.idaho.gov; GSchroeder@senate.idaho.gov; CSemmelroth@senate.idaho.gov; RTaylor@senate.idaho.gov; BToews@senate.idaho.gov; CTrakel@senate.idaho.gov; JVanOrden@senate.idaho.gov; JWardEngelking@senate.idaho.gov; CWinder@senate.idaho.gov; MWintrow@senate.idaho.gov; GZuiderveld@senate.idaho.gov
It can be 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).
ILA support
As soon as one battle seems over, another can pop up, and ILA can use your support!
ILA has two online “stores” you can purchase from, and all proceeds go to support the non-profit organization. Right now this is especially important 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
Thanks to these glittery folks sharing library support and ways to show up!
Glitter goes to The Lit Room
Glitter goes to Rediscovered Books
Glitter goes to Meridian Library Alliance
Glitter goes to Katiemreads
Glitter goes to Hello Meridian
Glitter goes to The Community Library Network for keeping things circulating while having two of their branches closed from water damage AND while dealing with their board
Sympathetic Ink
None of this is “normal” and we’re all doing the best we can in these “not normal” times. That includes you, and that person over there too!
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.