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Campaign Statement
Restore: Parental Rights, Library Hours and Services and Intellectual Freedom
Campaign Phone
2086593249
Campaign Email
mlippert4@gmail.com
I was born and raised in Spokane Valley and have lived in Kootenai County for 37 years. My husband and I raised our sons here and are now proud grandparents of four. I served 24 years on the Post Falls School Board, gaining experience in governance, budgeting, tax policy, and Idaho’s open meeting laws. I also taught philosophy for 26 years at North Idaho College, engaging in dialogue with thousands of local students. These experiences have deepened my understanding of our community’s values and concerns. As a long-time resident, trustee, and educator, I’m committed to civic engagement and bring the skills and insight needed to serve on the Community Library Network board.
As a trustee, I am entrusted to help the institution thrive, fulfill its mission, and meet community needs. This means balancing the interests of both the library and the public. Tough choices arise, like funding expanded services amid growth or defending access to materials some wish to restrict. Trustees must think carefully, act with integrity, and uphold core values. Respectful, professional collaboration is essential, as is welcoming diverse viewpoints. This role is nonpartisan; decisions must rise above politics. The director manages staff, and trustees must avoid micromanagement. Our duty is to serve with respect, unity, and a steadfast focus on the library’s mission.
Libraries empower individuals by providing access to knowledge and learning. They offer diverse resources, books, media, databases, to support enrichment and inquiry. Beyond collections, libraries promote literacy and lifelong learning with programs for all ages, from storytimes to tech training. They foster digital inclusion with public computers, internet, and online help. As safe, inclusive spaces, libraries host events, workshops, and civic meetings, supporting education and community connection. The Cooperative Libraries Network (CLN) delivers these services through seven libraries, ensuring equitable access to information, technology, and opportunity.
The Cooperative Information Network (CIN) includes 25 libraries across two states, seven of which are part of the CLN. This system allows members to borrow materials from any participating library. A Post Falls resident, for example, can access books from Liberty Lake or Coeur d’Alene. Libby further expands access to eBooks and audiobooks. Recently, however, the CLN board has undermined this access, its director removed books and locked them away, an act of censorship that defies CIN values. The board has disparaged CIN and may sever ties, which would harm all members. As a trustee, I would prioritize preserving CLN’s CIN membership and improving collaboration.
The CLN’s mission is to provide free, open access to information for all. Libraries should guide, not censor, especially when it comes to what children or patrons can read. Children’s materials are organized by age or subject to help them choose, but final decisions belong to parents, not the library. Materials shouldn’t be blocked simply for being controversial. For adults, intellectual freedom is key. Libraries must offer diverse viewpoints, even if some find them offensive. Censorship based on politics, religion, or morals defies the library’s purpose. The CLN must remain a neutral, inclusive space that empowers patrons to choose for themselves.
Strongly oppose
Oppose
Neither support nor oppose
Support
Strongly support
I strongly oppose the current CLN board’s actions. First, they revoked 8,900 minor open-access cards, stripping parents of their right to decide for their children, violating Idaho Code 32-1010. I trust parents and will fight to restore that right. Second, they cut staff, hours, Sunday service, programs, the Bookmobile, and materials, despite minimal tax increases and rapid growth. Citizens opposed these cuts, but were ignored. Now they may exit the CIN, losing access to shared resources and raising costs. Finally, the board removed “intellectual freedom” from policy, rejecting First Amendment values.
If elected, I will work to restore parental rights, library hours and services and defend every citizen’s right to access information without government interference.
