GRAND FORKS — A North Dakota state librarian said library workers nationwide are leaving the profession amid what she believes is a decrease in public trust.

Mary Soucie said policies nationwide that aim to put restrictions on books have caused some people to view libraries — and the people who run them — as increasingly politicized. Soucie said that for many in the field, such questioning of their profession can take a toll.

“We are neutral. We do not let our own personal beliefs drive what materials we have in the library. We truly attempt to meet the needs of the community,” she said. “I think having our professionalism and our qualifications questioned can be frustrating.”

In April, Gov. Kelly Armstrong vetoed SB 2307 , which passed both the North Dakota Senate and House and aimed

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