Recent Library Controversies

During the last few years, we have witnessed some controversies being played out in public over certain kinds of library materials. 

The Board of Trustees of the Ada Community Library has created and adopted specific policies and procedures to deal with any controversy that might arise over library materials. These policies are in compliance with Idaho law, and in fact restate verbatim some of the Idaho Code statutes. As is well known, the most recent controversies have centered on library materials which might be considered harmful to minors because of their sexual content.

In preparing material for this website, we considered quoting directly from the Idaho Code definitions of “Obscene Materials” and “Harmful to Minors.” However, because of the detailed and descriptive use of sexual terms in the Idaho Code, we elected to not quote the specific language. Any interested person can read these provisions in Idaho Code 18-1513, Idaho Code 18-1514, Idaho Code 18-1515, Idaho Code 18-1517, and Idaho Code 33-2741. These code sections clearly set forth Idaho law regarding obscene materials. Libraries are obligated to follow the law. Library trustees take an oath of office when assuming their duties as trustees to uphold and obey the Idaho Constitution and all Idaho laws.

Consequently, whenever a matter arises relating to any library materials which may not be compliant with Idaho law, the Board of Trustees must deal with that matter appropriately and honestly and in conformity with Idaho Law. As stated elsewhere on this website, our library patrons are considered to be the “stockholders” of our libraries, because they have, with their property tax dollars, provided the necessary means for our libraries to be open and operational. As trustees, we will welcome input and opinions from our patrons and will honor their position as “stockholders” by listening to them and taking whatever reasonable action might be needed. We recognize the parents of minor children as the rightful and legal decision-makers of what library materials their children can access at the library, and we will not, as the library, interfere with that relationship.

Finally, we want to address the phrase that we hear from time to time—and that is “book banning.” We state emphatically that there is no such thing as “book banning” at Ada Community Library. When we hear someone use that inflammatory term, we can properly conclude that the person is uninformed. Our library doesn’t engage in “book banning.” Our library engages in following Idaho law, and Idaho law does not direct libraries to ban books. Idaho law has carefully and specifically directed public libraries to engage with its patrons collaboratively and respectfully to address concerns parents might have about any materials available to minors that might not be in compliance with Idaho law. Because libraries should be safe places for children and teens, that is exactly what the policies of Ada Community Library are designed to accomplish.