Hello Friends,
You’ve heard this from me before, but it bears repeating. In 2023, Dayton Memorial Library in Columbia County was on the verge of becoming the first library in the nation to dissolve due to aggravated community members calling books authored by LGBTQ+ individuals “obscene” and “upsetting.”
We fought back. Courageous Columbia County leaders defended their library. At the state level, I worked with Sen. Sam Hunt to pass legislation that would protect that library and dozens of others across the state from the latest Moms for Liberty tactics.
Why do I bring this up again? Because my opponent made clear that one of his top priorities if elected Secretary of State is to “Protect children from exposure to inappropriate adult content in our libraries.” We know that means censorship of LGBTQ+ titles in public libraries. We know that means attacking skilled, credentialed librarians who curate collections for the whole community. Just look to other states, including next door in Idaho, to see what his policies look like in action. ↓ ↓ ↓
As your Secretary of State, I will continue to protect the freedom to read in public libraries. I will support programs that bring more people to their community library and more funding to ensure they are inspirational spaces.
Thank you for your support and please return your ballot by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6.
-Steve Hobbs
Public Library Patron
Friends of Steve Hobbs · 3309 114th Dr NE · Lake Stevens, WA 98258-8787 · USA