Library Managers
Library Materials & Programs
Updated June 2023
Overview
As part of its mission, the Community Library Network ensures freedom of information for all. The choice of library materials is an individual matter and, while anyone is free to reject for themselves materials of which they do not approve, they cannot exercise censorship to restrict the freedom of use and access to others. The responsibility for use of library materials by minors rests ultimately with their parents or legal guardians. Public libraries in the United States help protect the freedom to read guaranteed by the First Amendment. The Supreme court and other courts have continued to uphold public libraries’ right to provide free access to materials. The District subscribes to the Freedom to Read Statement and the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association. The Community Library Network is committed to providing books and resources for our entire community.
The Community Library Network seeks to provide a balanced collection representing a wide range of viewpoints, including controversial issues that may be objectionable to some individuals. The purchase of controversial items does not constitute endorsement of the views expressed.
The Community Library Network participates in a consortium with over 20 library systems in north Idaho and eastern Washington known as the Cooperative Information Network (CIN). You can place holds on items at the libraries in our consortium and they will be delivered to your home library. Minors’ access to material placed on hold from other library systems is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians. Each library system in the consortium is responsible for purchasing and selecting its own materials. Materials owned by other library systems will not be on display at Community Library Network libraries.
Library Materials
Each library in the Community Library Network has four designated shelving areas.
Children’s material is specified for children ages 0 – 12 and for parents, caregivers, and teachers. Items in this collection are designed to develop the enjoyment of reading by providing materials that are current, educational, and fun to read.
Teen material is specified for ages 13 – 15. Items in this collection help support the interests and development of teens as they transition from childhood into teen years. Items in this section have more complex plots, themes, and story intensity. Items in this section can include historical depictions of war and violence, age-appropriate humor, and age-appropriate interpersonal relations.
Young Adult material is specified for ages 16 – 18. Material in this collection supports the transition from teen to adult. Items in this section include books with portrayals of multifaceted interpersonal relations, complex themes, realistic coming of age stories, contemporary trends, and difficult life circumstances.
Adult material is specified for ages 18 and older. Material in this collection covers a wide range of fictional topics, themes, circumstances, and contemporary trends. This collection also includes non-fiction material covering many topics including home improvement, cooking, interpersonal relations, religion, social issues, history, poetry, and biographies.
Items in the library have been selected based on criteria set forth in our Material Selection policy. We encourage parents and caregivers to be actively involved with their children and teens in the selection of library materials. Library staff are always happy to help parents find the right books for their kids. As a parent/guardian, you can select how you want to set up and monitor your child's account, please ask a staff member for more information.
Library Card Types
The Community Library Network offers multiple library card types to meet the needs of the community. Library card types for minors are outlined in Library Cards for Minors policy. The following card types are available.
- Children’s limited access card. Provides access to materials designated for ages 0 – 12. Requires parent or guardian signature.
- Teen limited access card. Provides access to materials designated for ages 0 – 12 and 13 – 15. Requires parent or guardian signature.
- Minor open access card. Provides access to all material and online databases. Requires parent or guardian signature.
- Adult open access card. Provides access to all material and online databases.
- Minor basic card. Issued to children not residing in a CIN taxing district. Provides access to all materials except for online databases.
- Adult basic card. Issued to persons not residing in a CIN taxing district. Provides access to all materials except for online databases.
- Non-resident card. Issued to persons not residing in a CIN taxing district. Provides access to all materials and online databases for a $25 annual fee.
Reconsideration of Materials
The Community Library Network recognizes that a collection of diverse materials may result in some complaints or requests for reconsideration. The following procedures have been developed ensure that complaints are handled in an attentive and consistent manner.
- Staff members will explain the material selection policy to the member. If the member wishes, a Citizen's Request for Reconsideration may be submitted to the Library Director.
- The completed form is reviewed by 2 members of the library staff and by the Library Director. The item in question will be objectively reviewed to ascertain that the selection criteria and principles stated above were applied in the selection process.
- The Library Director will respond to the requester of the decision within 30 days of the date that the reconsideration form was submitted. The Library Director shall also notify the District’s Board of Trustees of the outcome of each Request for Reconsideration submitted.
- Should the requester wish to appeal the Library Director’s decision, a final appeal in writing may be made within 14 days to the Community Library Network’s Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will review the selection criteria (described above in this document and the Materials Selection policy) and consider other appropriate information, including professional reviews and recommendations, comments from the Library staff, decision from the Library Director, and comments from the requester.
Library Programs
The Community Library Network empowers discovery by developing and presenting programs that meet the educational, informational, and cultural needs of the community. Programming helps to further the mission and vision of the Community Library Network.
The Library’s philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to Library programming, and the library does not knowingly discriminate through its programming. The presentation of a program by or on behalf of the Library does not constitute Library endorsement of the program’s content or the views expressed by any presenter(s) or participants. The Library recognizes that some programs may be controversial and that any given program may offend some members. As with other Library provided services, minors’ access to programs is the responsibility of their parents or legal guardians. All Library programs are supervised by Library staff.
The Community Library Network opens all programs to the general public; however, the Library may limit some programs (i.e., children’s programs and story times) to age-specific audiences.
The Library offers many different teen programs including; Middle School Anime Club, High School Anime Club, Rainbow Squad, Cooking Club, Cosplay Club, Little Weird Painting Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Teen Publishing, Reading Challenges, Music Club, Drawing Club, and more. All Teens are welcome to join us for Rainbow Squad, a gathering for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. The program consists of crafts, games, and snacks similar to other Library teen programs. A parent edition of the program is now offered which occurs at the same time.
Occasionally, the Library will hold programs after hours. Programs such as Nerf Wars, movie nights, special author events, Rainbow Squad and others have been held after hours. Holding a program after hours allows us to use a variety of spaces for a program in addition to not worrying about the program disturbing other Library members.
Foundation
Mission: We are the catalyst in sparking private funding to ensure our libraries flourish.
Through fundraising and donor relationships, the Foundation provides funds to enhance the library experience for over 150,000 members and guests across the Library Network.
Help libraries flourish by joining the Foundation or inquire about projects in need of funding.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and is accepting members.
Community Library Network Foundation
821 N Spokane Street
Post Falls, ID 83854
(208) 773-1506
Friends of the Community Library Network & Hayden Library Book Store
Mission: The Friends of the Community Library Network advocates for libraries as places to nurture and enhance lifelong learning.
This not-for-profit supports library programs, services, and resources for member enrichment in Athol, Harrison, Hayden, Pinehurst, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake, and the Bookmobile.
Friends of the Post Falls Library & Twice Told Tales Book Store
This nonprofit organization, fueled with volunteer support, operates a bookstore inside the Post Falls Library. Sales benefit this library’s special endeavors for member enrichment.
District History
Created by a vote of the potential district taxpayers in 1976, the Kootenai County Free Library District, now known as the Community Library Network, began operation in July 1977. Services were provided by a bookmobile and Coeur d’Alene Public Library provided staff and office space. In 1979, the District hired its first staff, leased office space in Hayden and began independent operations.
The District grew through consolidation with other city and district libraries:
- 1982 Rathdrum Public Library consolidated by general election. Rathdrum was already housed in a District provided facility, a modular building on leased property.
- 1984 Athol Public Library consolidated by general election. District continued operations in the existing Athol facility. 1985 Hayden-Dalton Area Free Library District consolidated by vote of the two boards. This consolidation created the Consolidated Free Library District currently dba Community Library Network. District continued operations in the existing facility.
- 1985 Spirit Lake Community Library consolidated by a petition process. District continued operations in the existing Spirit Lake facility.
- 1994 Harrison Public Library consolidated by general election. District provided a modular building for the library within 9 months of consolidation.
- 1996 Pinehurst-Kingston Free Library District consolidated by a vote of the two boards. District continued operations in the existing facility.
- 2010 Post Falls Public Library consolidated by general election. District continued operations in the existing facility.
In 1985, when the District consolidated with Hayden-Dalton Area Free Library District, it also inherited a bond passed in 1978 for the Hayden facility. This was paid off in 1991.
The District passed a second bond for facilities in 1991. This included new libraries in Athol, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake, a major expansion of the Hayden library and a new bookmobile. The leased office space was relinquished as space became available at Hayden. Hayden Library became the District headquarters. This bond was paid off in 2005. A third facilities bond was passed in 2005. This included library remodels in Athol, Harrison, Hayden, Pinehurst, Rathdrum, Spirit Lake and a new bookmobile. It will be paid off in 2025.
In 2010, when the District consolidated with the Post Falls Public Library, the city residents continued to pay for the bond for the Post Falls Library. This bond was paid off in 2013.
In 2016, the District ran a plant facilities levy election to provide for space reallocation and remodeling. This election failed.
In 2017, the District headquarters were moved to the Post Falls Library.
In 2018, the Post Falls Library received a large bequest used for an extensive remodel of the library’s interior.
In 2019, the District purchased a transit bus to be used as a Discovery vehicle for technology programs.