Library board initiates collection policy review

DAYTON-The Columbia County Rural Library Board of Trustees initiates collection development policy review; and were advised of other library regular business during the September 18 meeting.

The collection development policy was introduced, and board members present agreed to review the first two chapters over the next month to be prepared to discuss and revise during the October meeting. The original policy was adopted in 2008 and some revisions were made in 2013 regarding digital collections. The policy includes guidelines for staff to follow when procuring new materials, and choosing to repair, replace or weed materials. Chapter one deals with general topics or purpose, organizational responsibility, and service principles. Chapter two presents the selection criteria of library materials. The complete current policy is accessible on the library district website.

Brigham presented the Director's report where she reported the library had hosted the first family story time since summer break. They also planned a Humanities Washington lecture on September 19 with speaker Stephen H. Stehr, Ph.D. on How American Politics Got Uncivil (Again). She will be attending a conference for library directors. Brigham proposed to the Board to also review the volunteer policy since she has had some interest in it. They agreed they would also review it next month. The final report was also given and was approved by the Board. A budget workshop was scheduled for Wednesday November 8.

Public comments more than doubled the length of the meeting. Many reiterated concerned about certain content available to minors, but acknowledge the service and purpose the library provides in the community. One commenter, John Richter, acknowledged "the library is an asset, but the Board failed in resolving the issue with inappropriate books remaining in sections for minors..." Collectively, people want the library to reflect the morals and standards as well as decency of the community. Attendee Judith Holmberg, spoke and said that "no one wants to lose the library, but it must be considered the materials the children consume to be fit for their futures." The people do not want to ban books, only place them appropriately to protect the innocence of those minor children using the library. They are asking the board to review its policies.