East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

DAYTON-The Columbia County Rural Library Board approved to send two revised policies to the CCRL attorney for review; gave direction and deadline for Library District Dissolution petition; heard library updates on programs, books and expenditures during the meeting on May 15.

The Board approved two policies to be reviewed by their lawyer - one for Employee Substance Use and another for Laptop and Tablet Computer Lending. Once reviewed, it will be revised as needed and adopted.

Library Director Todd Vandenbark acknowledged the petition circulating to dissolve the Library District. Jessica Ruffcorn who has led the petition was in attendance. The petition is a response of opposition to the director's decision to retain the books for minors containing sexual content in the youth sections while continuing to buy and promote such books. He advised the board he consulted with their attorney who said the petition would need to be submitted to the Library Board by August 1. The Board would then draft a resolution to be submitted with the petition to the County Auditor who would verify the signatures before going to the County Commissioners for approval for the ballot.

He also said County Prosecutor Dale Slack requested an informal opinion on March 17 from the State Attorney General as to whether the current statutes for the petition process are unconstitutional. Because of the annexation of the city into the district, there is a question if city residents would be qualified to sign the petition and vote. If they do not qualify, then the petition could be deemed unconstitutional, and a lawsuit could result.

Vandenbark gave an update on the weekly Discovery Kids Program, they had an average of six kids with three adults in attendance. He also continues his monthly visits to The Club for music and story hour, as well as weekly visits the Senior Center to bring the library newsletters and a selection of books they can check out. The Seed and Gardening Programs each has had nine families participating. The week before Dayton Days they will have supplies provided by Friends of the Library available to kids who wish to decorate and ride their bikes with the library during the parade. The Summer Reading Program with the theme, "All Together Now" will kick-off in early June by offering nachos, ice cream, fruit bars and water. The program is open to patrons of all ages. The Friends of the Library has provided $1800 in funds for food, prizes, and other giveaway items.

Board Trustee Kevin Rust questioned Vandenbark during the financial review about an increase in the salary and wages of about $1800 over the previous month. Vandenbark could not account for the addition but said that he would investigate it.

Rust also asked about expenditures listed for attending the Washington Library Association (WLA) annual conference in March when he previously told Rust that he and Board Chair Jay Ball attended as private citizens and not as representatives of the library. Vandenbark apologized and claimed he had misspoken. He clarified that the expenditure would be reimbursed by the WLA.

Later in public comment, Marcene Hendrickson said that she previously asked Vandenbark if he was approached about a mediation about the books and turned it down. He confirmed he did because he could not negotiate intellectual freedom. She said that intellectual freedom goes both ways and that he has broken trust by not finding compromise or being forthright as she waived a copy of their presentation about the CCRLD which showed their titles listed with their names as representatives of the library district. She also pointed out that the full board was not made aware of the presentation.

Other public comment has also indicated that some have lost trust in his ability to manage the library resources, as well as the board's lack of policy on the contents of the collection. A working list has been created of over 75 books written for or about minors involving sexual content whether educational or narrative that are in the library's collection. Ruffcorn says the petition to dissolve the library is the only avenue for the public to have a say on the matter and they will have a chance to vote if it makes the ballot.

Comments were made in support of the library, staff, the board, and the books affirming the good work they are doing and the need for the many resources the library offers and that some of the books in question are helpful to some.

Genie Crowe spoke up and repeated a common viewpoint that parents should decide for their children, what books they can read in the library and the community should not do that for others.

Gordon Farley said that Dayton's reputation is on the line and will turn off people from moving here as the community debates over this.

Peggy James answered that the issue is protecting children from overexposure to mature topics, not adults.

Vandenbark acknowledged those who made the effort to meet with him directly to ask questions or voice concerns and encouraged others to come talk with him.

About 60 attended either in person or on Zoom and many comments were heard during the public comment portion of the meeting

The next Library Board of Trustees meeting is June 26 due to Juneteenth (June 19) falling on the third Monday which is a holiday.