Report From Idaho: “Donnelly Public Library Announces It Will Become Adults-Only Library, Cites Idaho Legislature’s Library Bill”

UPDATED POST (July 3, 2024): A Library in Idaho is Limiting Children’s Access to Comply With New Law (via Hear & Now/WBUR)

Here & Now’s Peter O’Dowd speaks with Sherry Scheline, director of the Donnelly Public Library, about the decision.

— End Update—

From KTVB:

The Donnelly Public Library announced it will become an adults-only library and says House Bill 710 is responsible.

“Donnelly Public Library was deeply saddened by the passing of HB710,” a new release stated. “Unfortunately, the ambiguous language in the legislation leaves us no options but to make some very drastic changes.”

Sherry Scheline, the library director, told KTVB that the building will become an adult-only library, but children will be allowed in if they are accompanied by a “signing adult.”

Learn More, Read the Complete Article

More From Big Country News

The small town of Donnelly is located in Valley County, south of McCall along Highway 55.

A statement from the library says “the ambiguous language in the legislation leaves us no options but to make some very drastic changes. Donnelly Library is only 1024 sq. Ft. Our size prohibits us from separating our “grown up” books to be out of the accessible range of children. In order to comply with the legislation we will be transitioning our Library to be an adult only library as of July 1st.”

Learn More, Read the Complete Article

More From the Donnelly Library Statement (via Facebook)

This change is painful and not what we had hoped for at all. We desire to comply with state and federal legislation, but because of size we have to protect our staff, our library, and our taxpayer money. We encourage you at this time to reflect and consider donating to the Donnelly Public Library Building Fund. Without expansion we can not comply and have to make the necessary adjustments

All Patrons will have to sign a new patron agreement and comply with the necessary standards put forth by the Idaho State Legislator.

Read the Complete Statement

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