Library Director Provides Clarity On Materials

New Crawford County Library Director Amy England addressed commissioners May 20 over the materials that can be viewed at each of the branches.

England, formerly of Three Rivers Publishing, said the library district is not a political entity “and the only thing political is intellectual freedom for all.”

The library district has come under criticism multiple times over the last few years, notably in 2021 when a book titled “The Rainbow Parade” was planned for the summer story time program.

Threats to the library ensued and the story time never occurred.

More attention has come upon library districts in the last several years over material that some parents feel is inappropriate.

England said the Crawford County Library District tries to provide materials that cover the “whole spectrum” and there are policies in place that are based on state statutes.

England told commissioners that the district “upholds the rights of each individual to hear a full range of published thoughts and ideas.” 

England added that what people read “is a private matter” and that patrons have the ability to reject or select for themselves.

“The library does not serve in place of the parent when it comes to access for library materials,” England said, adding that only parents and guardians “have the right to make choices for their minor children.”

Minors are not allowed a library card or access without their parents’ permission, she said.

England also said there is a policy for reconsideration of library materials.

In addition to clarifying concerns of materials, England was there to provide the list of six applicants for the library board, another issue that has come up each year.

Some patrons have questioned the commission over its library board appointments. 

In 2022, Tena Slovensky and Carol Lea were reappointed to the board upon recommendation from the library board.

In 2023, the board appointed Linda Todd to replace Kyle Hofstetter, who resigned

Joy Mentink, the former director, said the library board followed all of the guidelines set forth by the commission in appointing new members.

In 2024, controversy occurred again when the commission voted 2-1 to appoint Ellen Bowles over Julie Jensen.

Presiding Commissioner Steve Black was the dissenting vote against Bowles, while former District 1 Commissioner Rob Cummings and District 2 Commissioner Jared Boast supported her appointment.

Bowles was recommended by the library board.

Black felt that Bowles’ politics were out of step with the majority of Crawford County.

England gave each commissioner a letter of intent and resume from the applicants, along with the board review and their recommendation.