Community Library Network Disassociates with the American Library Association

For Immediate Release:

October 19, 2023

Post Falls, ID

Community Library Network Disassociates with the American Library Association

Today, the Board of Trustees of the Community Library Network (CLN) of Kootenai and Shoshone Counties in North Idaho approved a resolution disassociating CLN from the American Library Association and its affiliates. After several meetings debating and modifying the wording of the resolution, a majority agreed and passed the resolution on September 21st and released it today after review by legal counsel. The resolution, which removes any CLN association with ALA and its affiliates, takes effect immediately. It requires that no CLN monies be used for any ALA memberships, training, informational services, materials, events, promotions, or campaigns sponsored by ALA or its affiliates. The passed resolution reads as follows:

A RESOLUTION FOR THE COMMUNITY LIBRARY NETWORK TO DISASSOCIATE WITH THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Whereas, the Community Library Network (“CLN”) has fully considered and discussed at several Board meetings the financial status, debts, and obligations of CLN and the need for reduction of certain operational expenditures due to changes in CLN’s funding.

Whereas, CLN has been proactive in its attempts to reduce unnecessary expenditures to benefit CLN operations and prevent frivolous spending that could be passed on to the local taxpayers that provide CLN funding through their hard-earned incomes.

Whereas, one such expenditure fully discussed and considered by the Board to be unnecessary for the safe, effective, and efficient operation of the CLN are funds provided to the American Library Association (“ALA”), its affiliates, organizations, subdivision, or subsidiaries thereof; the payment of such funds being required for the continued association with such organization(s).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the CLN will no longer have any association with, nor be associated with, the ALA, its affiliates, as listed on the ALA's website, organizations, subdivisions, or subsidiaries thereof.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no CLN monies will be used for any membership, training, informational services, materials, events, promotions, or campaigns sponsored by the ALA or any of the above fore mentioned entities. CLN policies will be adjusted to reflect the same.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Community Library Network Board of Trustees, September 21, 2023

CLN Board of Trustees

Tim Plass, Clerk