Access Restricted to Four Sex-Related Library Books

KTKA 49 News ABC ^ | 19 February 2009 | Ben Bauman

[plan2succeed.org]

The library board of trustees meeting was moved to a larger room to accommodate all those wanting to speak.

The proposal, which came from a library patron, was to restrict the access by children to four books, Sex for Busy People, The Lesbian Kama Sutra, The Joy of Sex and The Joy of Gay Sex.

"This is clearly an effort to suppress books about gay people. Only four books were targeted out of the thousands that might have been targeted, say, about tawdry romance novels or books about how to make a bomb or maybe a book about how to make poisons out of household items," restriction opponent Jason Chaika said.

"Most of our adults have already formed their positions as it relates to their sexuality. That's not what this is about. This is not about censoring material, keeping it from adults. But we do need to protect our children," restriction proponent Cecil Washington, Jr. said.

Some who spoke against the restricted access say it's not the library's responsibility.

"Parenting is up to the parents, and library policy is that children not be left unattended in the library," Chaika said.

"All of us know that our children go places that we are not aware of. That is why we need a society that is working with the parents to help provide that protection," Washington said.

The board charged the library staff with finding a way to restrict access to the books.

[plan2succeed.org]

Go take the poll at the web site and watch the video.

I predict the ACLU will sue and lose. This will make this case an example for library boards nationwide that local communities should control library boards, not the ALA [American Library Association].

Children nationwide may receive protection from harm previously untapped by locals thinking the ALA is authoritative. It is not. This case further proves that.

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SafeLibraries.org - Are Children Safe in Public Libraries?
Contact me to get on or off my library crime ping list.



Also see SafeLibraries Blog.

[plan2succeed.org]

All, see this post I just posted.

[GeronL]

The library will probably give in and let children have access to ANYTHING

[plan2succeed.org]

No, that’s the point. The library has successfully restricted access to material it deemed inappropriate for children—perfectly legal, by the way.

[GeronL]

I’m surprised that any public library is doing that

[Dilbert San Diego]

Well, if we’re not allowed to restrict books such as the Joy of Sex and Joy of Gay Sex from children, then there’s no standards at all anymore. No concept of things that children shouldn’t be seeing.

Heck these liberals think a 12 year old girl is an adult for purposes of deciding to have an abortion. Or get birth control without parental consent.

[GeronL]

I agree with you. leftists don’t.

[peggybac]

Poll ping!

[plan2succeed.org]

Best of all, the local community got what it wanted. That in and of itself shocks those who usually externally control communities, like the ALA, and the library director is a big wig in the ALA.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Joy of Gay Sex... Yes, nothing spells fun like shoving a *bleep* right up the old outtake valve. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!

[bigbob]

They’ll ban books like this while the kids are over downloading p0rn on the library computers and sexting nekkid pix back and forth

[plan2succeed.org]

Well, the book is appropriate for the right people. I have spoken with one of the authors about this. See "Dear Felice Picano, 'The Joy of Gay Sex' Co-Author."

[papasmurf]

BS. It IS a library’s responsibility. They are serving the public, and as such servants, MAY NOT contribute to the delinquency of a minor, nor may they engage in distributing pornographic materials to minors.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Well, that response looked about typical. Because she wasn’t allowed to see “adult” books, she swings all the way over to “anything goes” to get back for it.

Did her lovely screed have a nice little chapter on the joys of anal blossoms ? I mean, gee whiz, what precocious 4-year old doesn’t want to learn about those just ‘cuz Felice says he ought to ?

[DCBurgess58]

BS. It IS a library’s responsibility. They are serving the public, and as such servants, MAY NOT contribute to the delinquency of a minor, nor may they engage in distributing pornographic materials to minors.

Mind your own business. Just because you are a facist, nazi, homophobe does not give you the right to censor these wonderful books.

Besides, children should be able to decide their sexual identity without having it forced upon them by their parents, society, church teachings and nature. How can a child make an educated decision about their sexual orientation unless they are exposed to how joyful gay sex is?

[papasmurf]

The same way my kids did.

Silly goose, with one of these...

[madison10]

In high school library, when I was bored, I’d read “All You Wanted to Know about Sex, but Were Afraid to Ask.” Easily accessible then.(1975 or so)

[DCBurgess58]

The same way my kids did.

Silly goose, with one of these...

I don't know... that straight wedge looks oppressivly large.

[Wil H]

Have access to it? Heck those kids could more than likely write their own book on the subject!

At least one of these books portrays graphic depictions of "fisting", among other delights, are you sure "those kids" are into that?