Shea will ensure library reflects community's diversity

On her website, one candidate for the library board says that she wants books “that reflect our community values.” After more than 50 years in Bonner County, working and raising a family, I find it hard to define “our community values.”

We are Republicans, Libertarians, Democrats, independents and non-voters. We are Christians (with more than two dozen churches), Jews, Buddhists, pagans and those who profess no spiritual beliefs at all. We educate our kids at public schools, private schools and home schools. We are urban, rural and far out. We are straight, gay and trans. We get our news from mainstream media, Fox, PBS, TikTok and endless other sources. We live in apartments, mobile homes, modest dwellings and mansions. We are omnivores, vegetarians and vegans. We travel by bike, old clunkers, EVs, SUVs and big diesel trucks. We say “crick” and “creek.”

I believe that we value this rich diversity in our people. We may not always agree, but we don’t try to force others to accept our beliefs. That’s why I’m voting for Susan Shea for the library board. She represents us — ALL of us — and will keep working to make sure the library reflects the diversity of backgrounds, beliefs, and opinions that makes our community strong. I hope you will join me in voting for Susan Shea on May 16.

NANCY RENK

Sandpoint