Donnelly Library holds public forum on its book ban lawsuit
The Donnelly Library held a public forum to discuss its lawsuit against Idaho's book ban bill and address community concerns.Summary
The Donnelly Public Library hosted a public forum to discuss its involvement in a lawsuit challenging Idaho HB 710, a law requiring libraries to move challenged books to adult sections. The lawsuit argues the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Trustees debated the law’s vagueness, with some expressing discomfort with the library’s legal challenge. The library temporarily became “adults only” to comply with the law, prompting public concern and suggestions for alternative solutions like lockboxes for challenged materials. While some residents sought removal of specific books, others pointed out the law’s impact on online ebook access. The library has not yet received formal removal requests. A similar lawsuit against the law was recently found unconstitutional by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Donnelly Library received free legal counsel in the case. The forum concluded without a decision, and the library’s lawsuit will proceed.
(Source：The Lewiston Tribune Online)