‘Love Letters’ to the library

Boundary County Library supporters are hoping a new project they helped develop called Library Love Letters will shift the focus from misinformation to the wonderful services the library and its staff offer.

Worried that House Bill 710 could hurt the library, local residents, led by Kathryn Larson, launched the program. Larson is running for the District 1B seat for the Idaho Legislature. 

“HB710 became law over strong objections from many of us around the state,” Larson said in a telephone interview this week.  

“HB710 brings big government into our libraries and creates distractions for librarians. It distracts them from educational enrichment to legal restrictions. Do we expect them to babysit anyone under 18, to make sure they don’t pick up a book their parents might not like?” 

Larson said that the law’s vague definitions "purposefully allow a wide flexibility under which all books could be challenged.” 

That vagueness means that when librarians comply with the law by putting books in a restricted area, they may be breaking First Amendment laws that protect free speech, Larson said.  

“Once again, our legislators have passed laws that will cost taxpayers more money in lawsuits to sort out the mess,” she said. “And, in the meantime, our librarians and our children suffer.” 

The Library Love Letters project, which also includes Bonner County libraries, already has developed a rich set of stories, Larson said in a recent email. 

“Our librarians work hard every day to create rich experiences for the people in our communities. The Priest River library held a story hour this month that drew 60 children from the community. We want to focus on the stories that showcase the ways in which the libraries nurture our communities.” 

Larson gave a few examples of stories posted on the Library Love Letters site:  

"The day I got my library card was one of the most amazing days of my life.”  

"How do I love you, East Bonner County Library? Let me count the ways.” This writer gave 10 reasons, from the sense of belonging to the neighboring county’s library to specific examples.

“I … live in … Florida, and I’m always floored that the Sandpoint Library offers so much more than my  county’s central and branch libraries."  

"Every time I walk into the library, it is filled with people. I see kids walking out with books piled high in their arms and grins on their faces."

“We want to shine a spotlight on libraries so people will see how they nurture and sustain our communities,” said volunteer Amy Brown, who came up with the name for the project. “We have several story readings planned. Watch for popup readings of stories over the coming months. 

 Brown encouraged the community to get involved by sharing their favorite library experience and spreading word of the project. Also involved in the project locally are Nancy Wycoff and Jo Len Everhart.  

The group helped develop bookmarks explaining how to submit Library Love Letters. The bookmarks will be available at businesses around town.  

Information: bit.ly/SendALibraryLoveLetter