POST FALLS, IDAHO – The American Library Association (ALA) has a lot of influence over the selection and promotion of material content in local libraries. Due to the association’s new president, a self proclaimed Marxist by the name Emily Drabinski, the Community Library Network (CLN) Board of Trustees in North Idaho made the decision to disaffiliate with the ALA. The library district joins a growing list of entities choosing no longer to partner with the ALA, including an entire western state. Montana’s State Library became the first to cut ties with the ALA in July of 2023, due to Drabinski’s Marxist ideology. There are many Idahoans who would like to see Idaho’s Commission of Libraries follow Montana’s lead.
The ALA claims to support inclusivity and intellectual freedom, but actively supports one viewpoint over another. This stance is contrary to the principles of first amendment free speech.
Katherine Hartley – Idahoan, Mother, and Attorney with the Pacific Justice Institute
Heather Greenman of Post Falls says, “Unfortunately the ALA has become an instrument through which Marxist goals are being accomplished in some way or another. What will be the result of this if we do not stop it?”
According to CLN board clerk, Trustee Tim Plass, “The significance of disassociating with the ALA is that CLN, as an entity, will no longer subscribe or pay for any ALA services or memberships, thereby reducing CLN expenses at a time when the Board is slowing the growth of tax increases. The majority of the Board of Trustees believes CLN should not be paying ALA for their advice and direction. In the past, some books that may violate the Idaho Code 18-1513 “Obscene Materials – Dissemination to Minors – Policy” have been promoted by ALA, and the Board majority does not want taxpayers to pay for that type of recommendation. CLN materials selection policies are being revised to ensure books that violate Idaho Code are no longer purchased.”
When asked about the impact on the library district’s budget, Plass reiterated the budget for FY2024 was already passed.
The CLN disassociation with ALA should not affect the just-approved budget because line items for ALA memberships, dues, and fees were already removed. This resolution makes the will of the Board of Trustees clear and ensures that the removal of ALA expenses in the new budget will be adhered to.
Trustee Tim Plass, October 20th 2023
The board took a roll call vote on the action to pass the resolution that disassociated the library district from the ALA. The motion passed 3-1, with Trustee Vanessa Robinson abstaining, Trustees Rachelle Ottosen, Tom Hanley and Tim Plass voting “aye,” and Trustee Katie Blank voting “nay.”
I was ready to be a ‘Yes’ vote, if the board was willing to write the resolution in a clear way that only concerned the American Library Association.
Trustee Vanessa Robinson, addressing her decision to abstain
Robinson took issue with specific language in the resolution that states, “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the CLN will no longer have any association with, nor be associated with, the ALA, its affiliates, as listed on the ALA’s website, organizations, subdivisions, or subsidiaries thereof.”
I absolutely do not like to abstain on action items. But when I am not clear on the language in the motion or resolution, I can’t commit a ‘yay’ or ‘nay.’ Who the library would be able to use or partner with was very unclear and debatable in the written language.
Trustee Robinson, response to Kootenai Journal’s inquiry on Oct. 20th
When asked about how the new policy would affect CLN employees and employment prospects, Plass stated, “CLN employees are free to continue their own ALA memberships or attend ALA conferences at their own expense. Local taxpayers will no longer pay for individual ALA expenses. The Board expectation is that new employees or applicants not be questioned or penalized for ALA membership or training.”
Readers can review the entirety of the recently adopted resolution, which is posted below, and the entire CLN meeting can be viewed via their YouTube page.
