Library books policies to headline next CLN meeting
DEVIN WEEKS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 10 months AGO
Devin Weeks is a third-generation North Idaho resident. She holds an associate degree in journalism from North Idaho College and a bachelor's in communication arts from Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene. Devin embarked on her journalism career at the Coeur d'Alene Press in 2013. She worked weekends for several years, covering a wide variety of events and issues throughout Kootenai County. Devin now mainly covers K-12 education and the city of Post Falls. She enjoys delivering daily chuckles through the Ghastly Groaner and loves highlighting local people in the Fast Five segment that runs in CoeurVoice. Devin lives in Post Falls with her husband and their three eccentric and very needy cats. | October 28, 2023 1:06 AM
Policies for acquiring, deselecting and reconsidering library books and other materials will be the main subjects of discussion when the Community Library Network's board of trustees holds a special meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Post Falls Library.
A time of two hours has been allotted for trustees to discuss a materials acquisition policy. The board currently does not have a specific "acquisition" policy but operates using a materials selection policy that was approved Nov. 4, 2022. The present board has been discussing proposed changes to the materials selection policy for several months.
Forty minutes will be spent discussing a deselection and reconsideration policy.
The meeting packet includes drafts of an updated materials selection policy proposed by Vice Chair Tom Hanley, as well as a materials withdraw and reconsideration policy also proposed by Hanley.
Community Library Network Director Alexa Eccles noted the upcoming meeting includes almost three hours devoted to library selection, deselection and the reconsideration process.
"Many library users and staff have expressed concern about what the changes in policy would mean for their community, our libraries and the collection," Eccles said Friday. "This board in action appears to want to take a more hands-on role, already spending over 350 meeting minutes in discussion. The current proposal recommends removing books believed to be inappropriate and limiting the staff’s ability to purchase books and materials based on the content, which is objected to by some community members."
She said it is the mission of the library network to empower discovery through access to books and materials for all ages.
The insurance process and a discussion of future agenda requests are also on the agenda.
No public comment will be permitted at this special meeting.
Board packet materials can be found at communitylibrary.net.
Visit communitylibrary.net for information and to contact the board of trustees.
The Post Falls Library is at 821 N. Spokane St.
ARTICLES BY DEVIN WEEKS

Survivors to share testimonies Sept. 6 at Altar Church
Survivors to share testimonies Sept. 6 at Altar Church
Survivors of horrific and tragic events will share their testimonies at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 during the "Journey of Forgiveness" event at the Altar Church. The panel includes Cara Kernodle, Sara Weaver and pastor Tim Remington.
North Idaho College hosts free kids dental services for ALICE families
North Idaho College hosts free kids dental services for ALICE families
Going to the dentist can be scary for anyone, especially children. But 8-year-old Ruby Monreal was as fearless as she was friendly Wednesday morning as she walked into the North Idaho College Dental Hygiene Clinic, smiling, waving and ready for her cleaning. “I can handle a bunch of things, just not shots,” said Ruby, who wore a cute pair of periwinkle sunglasses to protect her eyes from the lights on NIC student Ashli Snyder's dental loupes.

Miles for Smiles cruise, car show Sept. 6
Classic car owners who wish to bring joy to others while supporting the Hayden Senior Center will have plenty of opportunities to do so Sept. 6 during the second Miles for Smiles Classic Car Cruise and Car Show.