This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ NATION.
The library lacks the space to abide with the legislation and is concerned about lawsuits.
While most people have happy memories of browsing the shelves, going to story hours, or participating in programming at their neighborhood libraries, Donnelly, Idaho, is making the shift to become an adults-only library.
H.B. is the cause of the alteration. 710, often known as the “library porn bill,” states that anyone may use the library if a child is exposed to mature or inappropriate content, provided that the content is kept out of the children’s reach and placed in a designated “adults-only” area.
H.B. “Obscene content” will be “Judged by the average person, applying contemporary community standards,” according to 710.
It appears that the measure also targets LGBT individuals. Many of the books that bill proponents identify as instances of unsuitable material have LGBTQ+ themes or are utilized for sex education, according to Boise State Public Radio.
The law’s supporters dismissed the concerns raised by its opponents, who said that it may be burdensome for smaller libraries. The bill was enacted last month. However, Donnelly Library claims that the space is simply too small for a “adult only” area that is sufficiently isolated from the children’s area.
“Donnelly Library has just 1024 square feet. feet. Because of our size, we are unable to keep our “grown up” literature out of children’s reach. Donnelly Library announced on Facebook that, as of July 1st, “we will be transitioning our Library to be an adult only library as per the legislation.”
The collection of the library is accessible to children enrolled in the paid program whose parents have signed a release. If not, children aren’t even allowed to use the restroom at the library.
“This is a hard change that was not at all what we had anticipated. We want to follow local, state, and federal laws, but due to our size, we also have to safeguard our employees, our library, and public funds,” they added in their letter.
Sherry Scheline of the Donnelly Library stated that they took the call out of concern for a lawsuit that would force the library to close to the public. “We can’t take those chances because we don’t have an attorney on retainer,” the woman stated. We must let someone other than a tiny, rural library to fight it out.
Governor Brad Little (R) vetoed a bill that was similar in 2023. According to him, Idaho libraries and their patrons will “have unintended consequences” as a result of the regulation.
Little stated, “We have many wonderful childhood memories of exploring our local library and losing ourselves in the sea of books and knowledge.”
Gov. Little reportedly stated that he signed the law since the current version reduced the required penalties, according to Boise State Public Radio.
Additionally, Donnelly Library said on Facebook that they will keep up their kid-focused programming, which includes summer learning and after-school activities. “The kids in these specific programs will have the option to sign a programming waiver, which will give the librarians the freedom to choose books carefully for their programs. As usual, the Donnelly Public Library plans its lessons with specific learning objectives in mind and keeps a close eye on what the kids are reading and learning.
In order to refurbish and enlarge the building and establish enough space between the adult and children’s sections to comply with the H.B., Donnelly Library requested donations. 710.
According to the Donnelly Library, they “will continue to serve our community to the best of our ability” for the time being.
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