CURRENT POSITION Branch Manager, Library! at Hillcrest, Boise Public Library, ID DEGREE MLIS, University of Washington, 2018 Photo by Michelle Cortabitarte

Fight for the First

Huda Shaltry carries a copy of the U.S. Constitution in her purse. Referring to the First Amendment comes in handy when the Boise librarian is meeting with members of the Idaho Legislature in her other role: Legislative Chair of the Idaho Library Association.

In Idaho, as in other states, legislators have filed bills that threaten to fine libraries and jail librarians if minors come into contact with “harmful materials”—books deemed inappropriate by anti–freedom of information groups. In April, Gov. Brad Little signed a law allowing library patrons to sue if staff members don’t remove or relocate a contested title, and Shaltry observes that this and other efforts have had a chilling effect. “Smaller libraries have definitely taken a hit,” she says. Some rural librarians faced death threats and angry locals. “[In Boise] we’ve got great support from our mayor. It’s the smaller libraries that we worry about.”

Shaltry has helped train library staff to speak up for their work while still being mindful of their status as scrutinized public employees. Librarian Maria Cottle, whose Meridian library faced challenges from community members, admires Shaltry for her ability to support librarians while not demonizing legislators. “Huda sees beyond the destructive bills,” she says. “She communicates with [legislators] with empathy and respect, and encourages others to do the same.”

Shaltry is hopeful that elected officials and legislators will in turn be respectful of librarians’ expertise.

“It’s an uphill battle right now, but I like to have hope that people will do the right thing,” she says.