Setting the record straight in library board race

Several recent letters to the editor included misrepresented details about the library — and Susan Shea, the incumbent up for re-election. Corrections:

The library has had no requests to offer a drag queen story hour and Susan has no intention of creating one. This topic from the candidate forum was an irrelevant distraction.

Susan and the board do not want children to access sexually explicit material, which is why we require parental consent for computer use and block obscene or pornographic material on all library devices. The adult section is appropriately housed on another floor.

Our collection contains very few of the LGBTQ+ titles appearing on banned book lists, and those lists include classics like "To Kill a Mockingbird." Thankfully, East Bonner County Library has not had any requests to reconsider books. The idea of restricting or removing materials (aka censorship) is a solution in search of a problem.

The bookmobile (our third branch) serves 3,000-4,000 patrons annually. The purchase of a Mercedes Sprinter utility van was a planned, well-considered, and thoroughly researched decision. Paid through capital replacement funds with no additional taxpayer burden, it replaces a 23-year-old converted Bluebird bus that’s become unsafe, unreliable and very costly to repair.

The current board supports East Bonner County residents without restricting materials for all based on the values of a small but vocal group of citizens who wish to impose their beliefs (and fears) on the entire population. We are fortunate to have such an amazing library; attempting to “fix” manufactured or non-existent problems is a huge mistake. Susan Shea is the only candidate to consider.

AMY FLINT

Sandpoint

Chair

East Bonner County Library District Board of Trustees