Please read the articles linked below to come up with  your own opinion on this issue- this is exciting local politics!

 As Ridgeline students, we are fortunate enough to have access to school and city libraries. We have spaces to find a great variety of information and perspectives. In Liberty Lake, the Liberty Lake Library may soon be placed under control of elected city council members rather than experienced library trustees. The battle for book banning continues nationwide, but now it has come right to our door. We hope to join together with this petition to prevent the passage of this policy by showing the Council the opinion of Ridgeline students.

 On December 5th, the Liberty Lake City Council is expected to make a decision concerning the Liberty Lake Library Board. The ordinance they are considering would allow the City Council to approve or reject all policies enacted by the Library Board. 

While the council members say they have no intention of banning books, they took out a clause in the original ordinance (which was vetoed by the mayor) that prohibited the Council from initiating, approving, or banning a book ban. 

The Council is using a one month window while they have a pro-library-control supermajority to enact this policy. Some council members claim that the voters want this ordinance passed, even the ones who were voted out of office. 

Please join us in signing this petition to maintain the Library Board’s independence. Links are included with more information if you would like to research the issue. Email me, Paige Van Buren, if you have any questions: paigevb54@gmail.com

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/nov/20/with-a-temporary-veto-proof-supermajority-impendin/​

https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/nov/22/proposal-to-give-liberty-lake-city-council-full-au/