Idaho Library Transitions to "Adults-Only" Amidst New State Law and Legal Challenges

A recent social media post by user "Brandy" calling to "Defund Idaho libraries" reflects escalating tensions surrounding public library funding and content in the state. This sentiment comes amidst significant legislative and legal developments, including the implementation of a new law requiring libraries to relocate materials deemed "harmful to minors" and a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality.

The call to defund is closely tied to Idaho's House Bill 710, known as the "Children’s School and Library Protection Act," which took effect on July 1, 2024. This law mandates that public and school libraries move materials considered "harmful to minors" to adult-only sections or face potential lawsuits. However, the law's vague language regarding what constitutes "inappropriate" or "harmful" material has created confusion and uncertainty for library staff across the state.

In a direct response to HB 710, the Donnelly Public Library in Donnelly, Idaho, transitioned to an "adults-only" facility. Due to its limited space of just over 1,000 square feet, the library stated it was impossible to physically separate materials as required by the new legislation. As the library explained on its Facebook page, "This change is painful and not what we had hoped for at all. We desire to comply with federal and state legislation, but because of size we have to protect our staff, our library, and our taxpayer money."

This legislative action follows previous attempts to reduce library funding in Idaho. In 2022, state legislators cut nearly $4 million from the Idaho Commission for Libraries' budget, specifically targeting the Idaho Digital E-Book Alliance (IDEA) for K-12 students, citing concerns over "sexually explicit material." This historical context underscores a sustained effort by some groups to influence library operations through financial means.

The new law has also prompted legal action. In February 2025, a coalition including Penguin Random House and five other publishers, the Authors Guild, and the Donnelly Public Library District, along with authors, parents, students, and a teacher, filed a lawsuit against the state of Idaho. The lawsuit alleges that HB 710 is unconstitutional, arguing it forces libraries to speculate about potential objections to books and infringes upon First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The Idaho Family Policy Center, a conservative Christian advocacy group that drafted much of HB 710, has maintained that the law is "clear and understandable."

Librarians across Idaho have expressed concerns about the impact on their ability to serve communities and the morale of their staff. Many deny carrying "pornography" and highlight the crucial role libraries play as community hubs, particularly for children. The ongoing debate reflects a broader national conversation about censorship, intellectual freedom, and the role of public institutions in providing access to information.