Dear Campbell County,
I am writing to express my concern about the issue of freedom within our public library system. As a citizen and regular patron of the library, I believe it is essential that we uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and free speech.
The library should be a place where individuals can access a wide range of ideas, opinions, and perspectives, regardless of their personal beliefs or preferences. It is not the role of the library to censor or limit access to information based on ideology or political correctness.
I am concerned that recent decisions by the library board may be limiting this freedom. It is crucial that the library continues to provide resources and information that challenge and expand our understanding of the world, even if that information may be uncomfortable or controversial.
I urge the board to carefully consider the importance of intellectual freedom and free speech in our public library system. Please ensure that decisions about library resources and policies are made in accordance with these fundamental principles.
Ms. Bear is using an unlicensed, out of state lawyer to draft Campbell County policy, that is a huge red flag to me. Huge Phillips, the lawyer, is not licensed to practice in Wyoming and works for an organization call the Liberty Council. Ms. Bear stated at the last library meeting that Arthor at Mass Resistance recommended them. A quick look at Liberty Councils website suggests they are more into perpetuating conspiracy theories than they are practicing actual law. Both Mass Resistance and the Liberty Council are listed as Hate Groups by the SPLC. Ms. Bear dismisses the SPLC because they are “liberal” and on the “wrong side of things.” I take hate seriously and while SPLC may be “liberal,” one might want to look into these organizations before using their services for Campbell County Official business. This show’s that Ms. Bear’s disregards to our Wyoming values and freedoms. This matter alone is grounds for Ms. Bear to step down from the library board due to her poor judgement and risking Wyoming taxpayer dollars in national lawsuits. I am very disappointed in her leadership and will be campaigning to not have her on our board any longer.
Freedom and small government should be our top priorities in Wyoming, without freedom, morals become dictated by government, no matter what side of an issue you are on, we can all agree that the government will never do what is right for the people.
As a parent to a 10- and 13-year-old, I don’t think our library has anything in it to be ashamed of. If there are materials that I don’t want my children to see, I have plenty of options to exercise my parental rights. This board’s motivations appear to be political, and they are rewriting the collection policy to solve a problem that doesn’t exist here in Campbell County.
Please get back to small government Wyoming values. Fascist policies for our public library will easily be undone by future boards and only serve to risk taxpayer dollars and continue the division and ugliness happening in our community. Do better.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Matt Heath
Campbell County
