by Logan Finney, Idaho Reports
The Larsen-Sant Public Library in Preston will temporarily restrict public access to its building starting Monday in response to a new law that opens libraries to lawsuits if minors access inappropriate content on the shelves.
“In order to comply with House Bill 710 we are closing the library to the public. However our drive up window will still be available for our usual hours,” according to a notice on the library’s website.
The new law allows patrons to submit a request that inappropriate books be moved “to a section designated for adults only” within 60 days, then pursue a lawsuit if the library does not relocate it.
Library director Laura Wheatley told Idaho Reports on Friday evening there are “a fair amount of books in the young adult section” with LGBTQ+ themes or characters which need moved to the adult section because the law includes acts of homosexuality in its definition of sexual content harmful to minors.
Wheatley said the library will be reconfiguring its shelves so it is no longer possible to walk directly between its young adult section and its adult section. They will also position a staff member to monitor the adults-only section and ensure no children are allowed to enter.
A letter posted to the Larsen-Sant Public Library’s Facebook page explains that patrons can still request books and pick them up at the library’s drive through window during the soft closure.
“We hope to open fully by June 3rd by the latest, but it may be longer. Programs will still be held until May 18 in the Community Room. There will be no patrons allowed inside the library… we see no other way to make sure the library is in compliance with the new law by July,” the letter reads.
Although the state law does not formally take effect until July 1, the Franklin County library has an online relocation form available so patrons can “identify any books you believe are in the wrong section.”
The website also says patrons should direct questions or “strong feelings” about the change to Gov. Brad Little and their local lawmakers.
Logan Finney | Producer
Logan Finney is a North Idaho native with a passion for media production and boring government meetings. He grew up skiing, hunting and hiking in the mountains of Bonner County and has maintained a lifelong interest in the state’s geography, history and politics. Logan joined the Idaho Reports team in 2020 as a legislative session intern and stayed to cover the COVID-19 pandemic. He was hired as an associate producer in 2021 and they haven’t been able to get rid of him since.