Special Projects

Library Internet Filtering

Kids may not be safe in the local library because of policies that allow even children unrestricted access to pornography. That extreme policy flows out of the American Library Association (ALA), a private organization that has a virtual death grip on how many public libraries are run.

The ALA is the largest national library association in the world, with a membership of more than 55,000. The ALA opposes any restrictions on access to pornography in public libraries--even for children. Many public libraries adhere to this ALA policy, and refuse to place filters on their computers to screen out sexually explicit websites. The written policy at the Los Angeles Public Library, for example, says, "As with other library materials, supervision of a child's use of the Internet is the responsibility of a parent or legal guardian."

So extreme are the views of the organization that ALA spokeswoman Judith Krug said, "Blocking material leads to censorship. That goes for pornography and bestiality too. If you don't like it, don't look at it."

Wildmon said that libraries are not excluded from sharing responsibility for the welfare for our children. "Libraries must once again become part of the community, helping parents to uphold the standards of decency that keep our children safe," he said. "Citizens must actively seek to break the ALA's chokehold on the library system."

What Now. . .

• 1. Share information with others  
• 2. Develop a list of issues  
• 3. Take that list to the public  
• 4. Politely confront local library officials  
• 5. Take the issue to the ballot box.

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