BOISE, Idaho — Idaho librarians know their work is built around repetition - scanning books, organizing titles, stocking shelves.
But their future work, the changes to be determined by House Bill 710 (H710), doesn’t become any clearer the more times they reread the three-page legislation. Governor Brad Litte (R-Idaho) has until Wednesday to make it law or reject it with a veto.
"I can just feel the affect long-term," Idaho Library Association (ILA) board member Molly Nota said. "It can feel so personal."
H710 is an age verification bill. Materials determined to be harmful to minors in existing Idaho code are only to be made available in "adult only" sections of Idaho libraries under the legislation. Parents can complain to relocate a book they deem inappropriately shelved and appeal a rejection with a $250 civil lawsuit.
"It's a logistical nightmare especially when there isn't a problem," Nota said. "It's actually not simple at all."
The ILA interprets the bill's language to mean people under 18 years old cannot enter or explore any part of the library that is not carefully vetted for content. This means checking IDs at the door, installing cameras, and eliminating interactive open areas.
"It would be a liability, and we would have to close it," Nota said.
Lawmakers throughout the 2024 legislative session speaking in favor of H710 support the idea of keeping challenged book 'behind the desk.' The books wouldn't be banned, just relocated, and accessible only with explicit parental permission given to the library.
"It's pretty much going to languish behind a barrier. And that is so what we are against," Nota said. "One person can make a decision for the whole community."
Long term, ILA fears a chilling effect will censor library collections statewide. While existing titles will be 'grandfathered' in and challenged on a case-by-case basis, new controversial titles may never be considered in the first place.
"Anything that we think would cause an issue, even if we think it's an education resource, we wouldn't buy it," Not said. "I think Idaho librarians are having a pretty [hard time]. Check on them."
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