Trustees debate adult-only areas at Pinehurst Community Library Network meeting

PINEHURST — The Community Library Network board meeting Thursday turned contentious as trustees debated the implementation of a new state law and the possibility of creating adults-only areas in libraries.

The recently enacted Children and Vulnerable Adults law requires institutions like libraries to review and relocate materials deemed objectionable to minors upon receiving a written request. Failure to comply could result in a $250 fine.

Trustee Tim Plass proposed creating an "Adult Access Only Restricted Area" with strict access controls. 

"I want to go to the combination lock," Plass said, suggesting weekly changing combinations similar to hotel Wi-Fi passwords.

The proposal sparked debate among board members about what constitutes "reasonable steps" to comply with the law. New CLN director Martin Walters, attending his second meeting, sought clearer guidance from the board.

Walters, a father of seven, emphasized his support for parental rights but refrained from stating a preference between removing or relocating flagged materials. He stressed the librarians' role in curating quality collections, stating, "It's our job."

Space constraints in smaller libraries like Pinehurst, which had limited seating for public observers at Thursday's meeting, further complicate the issue. Pinehurst Library manager Brenda Ludwig noted that even story times often outgrow the children's section.

During public comments, community members expressed diverse views.

Pat Williams of Pinehurst voiced concern about potential removal of classic literature such as "To Kill a Mockingbird."

"We cannot erase our history," Williams said.

Jeff Lewis of Post Falls supported restricting access to certain materials, comparing it to movie ratings and adult sections in video stores.

Mary Sawyer from Smelterville highlighted how reduced library hours impact computer access for families and stressed parental discretion in children's reading choices. 

"It is my decision what my child reads," she said.

The meeting grew heated, with Chair Ottosen warning two audience members they would be trespassed if they continued to disrupt the meeting. Trustee Vanessa Robinson later addressed concerns about board responsiveness, assuring that all comments are considered even if individual responses aren't possible.

The next CLN meetings are scheduled for Nov. 21 at the Athol Library and Dec. 19 at the Post Falls Library, both from 2 to 5:30 p.m.

    Vanessa Robinson and new CLN director Martin Walters go through information packets Thursday at the Pinehurst Library.