Wilson runs for library board

Mary-Esther Wilson is running for Zone 5 in Naples of the Boundary County Library Board.

“The last couple of years our library has been fighting to survive,“ Wilson said. “The shutdown in 2020, concerns of books, and operating procedures all caused a rift in the functioning of our “Best Small Library in America.” I am running because I would like to help our library thrive again.”

Libraries are institutions for obtaining information, ideas and literary enjoyment, Wilson said, adding she wants to ensure all visitors are able to safely search and check out books that meet their interests; regardless of their age or background.

“I plan on doing this by supporting what has historically worked for our library,” she said.

“Our library offers some successful activity-based learning programs,” she said. “Some of my favorites are the summer and winter reading programs, reading hour, library in a box, the Libby App and of course, the Fab Lab. Our library has also done an excellent job at being a second home for Boundary County’s large home-schooling community. I plan on continuing and expanding these amazing resources.”

Wilson and her husband, who have five children ranging from 5 to 26 years old, moved to the area in 2009.

“The library soon became a favorite hangout spot. It was a comfortable place for us to do our homeschooling lessons while we built our off-grid homestead,” she said.

Wilson has volunteered at the South Boundary Fire Department, Naples Helping Hands, and as the Treasurer of Boundary Search and Dive.

Wilson graduated cum laude with a bachelor's of fine arts degree from Utah State University. She has used her knowledge to help with many high school and community theatrical productions. She currently works with teen girls struggling with depression and self-harm and helps them transition into therapeutic programs. She also substitute teaches at the Boundary County School District.

Recently, she sat on a library committee to update the library's Collections Policy.

The May election is Tuesday, May 16.