POST FALLS, Idaho – Library users in North Idaho might soon have to pay for a library card.
The Community Library Network, which includes Post Falls, recently discussed potential changes to its library card policy.
The proposed policy would allow only city residents to receive free library cards, while others would be required to pay a $50 annual household fee.
The Community Library Network explained that this change reflects the amount local taxpayers already contribute for library services.
During a Board of Trustees meeting on September 18, members assessed the cost of library services for the average taxpayer in the Post Falls area before making this decision.
Marti Walters, Director of the Community Library Network, expressed her concerns about the changes.
“I guess my my concern is that one of the main teachable moments here about the dissolution of CIN, this is that the public libraries in the nation are built upon a taxpayer base there,” Walters said. “That’s how it works. So we have to be very careful about insulting our taxpayers by giving non taxpayers a super deal on a card.”
For families with children attending schools within the Community Library Network, a school courtesy card will be available without the $50 fee.
All non-resident cards will provide the same level of access to resources as a regular resident library card.
