To the Patrons of the Madison Library District,

Right now there is a great deal of controversy regarding a letter that was sent to five businesses in our community that work with children and adults with special needs. It is the intent of this open letter to clarify, explain and inform all members of the community of the library board's concerns, what we want to accomplish and the steps currently underway to resolve the misunderstanding that has arisen.

To being with, let me clarify in writing, just as I attempted to do verbally during the board meeting held at the library on Wednesday, February 17^th , that it has not been, it is not now, nor will it be the policy of the library to discriminate against any member of our community. However, I also freely admit that the letter could be read that way and was lacking in diplomacy. Discrimination is not and never was our intent. For this we are very sorry.

Any patron who wants to use the library to peruse the collection, sit down and read a book, use a computer or engage in any other library function, that would be typically engaged in by any other patron, is always welcome. Contrary to rumors that exist and are being perpetuated, we are not turning away any patron who wants to use the library.

Next, I want to clarify the concerns that led to the letter:

First, the library staff has watched as employees of certain businesses and their clients have come to the library on a consistent basis and worked with their clients. On those occasions when these visits involve typical library activities we welcome them. However, the concern arises when those visits do not involve common library activities. Specifically, counseling sessions that involve private, personal matters that should not be conducted in a public setting often occur in the library. It is the library board's position that such private counseling, or other activities that would not normally be done by any other patron using the library, should not be done in the library.

Second, there is a concern regarding safety and security of all patrons using the library. There have been two specific instances leading to this concern. On one occasion a client became angry and attacked the employee that was accompanying him. After the attack, the client could not be located. The staff was worried that having witnessed one attack and not being able to locate the attacker, that other patrons may be in danger. The police were called. It was discovered that the client had left the building and no other patrons were in danger. But the concern was real. The second instance was when a client struck a library employee multiple times on at least two different occasions. This behavior is unacceptable from anyone

Finally, I would like to inform everyone of what we are doing to resolve the issue. At the board meeting we heard from approximately two dozen patrons. After the board meeting, we had two different agencies volunteer to come and train the board so that we better understand their mission and the services that are offered and two parents of special needs children volunteered to assist the board in drafting policies that will insure that all patrons are guaranteed free and open access to the library and its services without misunderstanding or discrimination. We have also been in contact with Idaho Parents Unlimited, the ADA Task Force and the Idaho Commission for Libraries. All have offered their expertise as well. By involving these groups and individuals, we hope to establish policies that address the concerns stated earlier while insuring safety and open access to the library for all patrons.

It is the board's desire that this letter will alleviate anxiety and put the rumors that are circulating to rest. We appreciate the input that we have received and welcome input from all patrons.

Blaine Robertson, Chairman

Madison Library Board of Trustees