Stacy Long

AFA Journal staff writer

September 2015 – “I’m sorry,” she said, spreading her hands and shaking her head. “It’s library policy. There’s nothing I can do.” 

During the course of several years working at a public library, I had many opportunities to witness complaints brought by concerned parents. A child accidentally saw porn on another user’s computer. An inappropriate book or magazine came into a child’s hands. An indecent cover image was prominently displayed. 

Initially, the argument was that the public is entitled to have access to their choice of materials. However, over the course of time, things began to change. Indecent materials were removed from eye level and children’s reach, and inappropriate activities were restricted.

Library legalities 
Impacting a public library can be difficult and slow going, but it is possible. Phil Burress, president of Citizens for Community Values (ccv.org), spent six years working to change the library in Cincinnati, Ohio. Speaking with AFA Journal, Burress outlined steps Christians can take.

First, understand how the library is organized. It may belong to a network of several libraries spread throughout many regions, but funding comes from taxpayers.

“Libraries are locally owned by the community or state and supported by taxpayer dollars,” Burress said. “Each state is different, but typically, trustees are appointed to the library board by an elected official, mayor, or judge.”

Next, be informed of local laws. Parental rights and obscenity laws are not relinquished when it comes to library use.

“The argument is children have the right to read anything they want because the First Amendment does not say anything about age,” Burress explained. “State law in 45 states prohibits distribution of pornography, but libraries may claim exemption, calling it ‘artistic’ or ‘educational.’” 

Third, research potential controversies and precedents as to how past cases were resolved. 

“The American Library Association, which is extremely liberal, often has more influence over a library than the community,” he added. “This contributes to content and policies that are pro-pornographic, pro-homosexual, and pro-abortion.” 

Step in to change the library
There are practical steps to lay the groundwork for change. First, inventory the library and address concerns. 

“If you find more books on controversial issues are liberal rather than conservative, bring that to the board because they claim to be unbiased,” Burress said. “Also, does the library have a separate children’s only section? Does it have a computer for children with web filters on it? If not, you have a very dangerous situation.” 

Second, campaign to get officials’ attention. 

“Submit yourself or others to be on the library board and do a letter writing campaign to the people who make the appointment,” he recommended. “Also, campaign for elected officials who represent your values, or campaign against tax funding for the library if you don’t like how the library is operating.” 

Finally, help put good material on library shelves. 

Librarians will consider requests for specific materials. They also may accept donations. As Burress suggested, purchase books from a Christian retailer such as AFA’s online store (afastore.net) and donate them to the library collection, or donate a gift subscription to a Christian magazine.  

Minimizing library risks
1) Build relationships with library staff by using facilities for community meetings such as 4-H, homeschool, or craft and hobby groups. 
2) Go online from home and use library catalogs to hold books for pickup and access educational databases, tutoring services, e-books, and other library services.
3) Contact Thomas More Law Center (thomasmore.org, 734-827-2001) for legal assistance in dealing with pornography in a library.

Citizens for Community Values
513-733-5775