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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Idaho libraries prepare for requirements of new Internet filtering law

Ten-year-old Emma Wagner uses the Coeur d’Alene Public Library’s computers on Wednesday. Children’s computers there are filtered. (Kathy Plonka)
Ten-year-old Emma Wagner uses the Coeur d’Alene Public Library’s computers on Wednesday. Children’s computers there are filtered. (Kathy Plonka)

On the lower level of the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 11 computers sit in a circle for use by kids, with Internet filters blocking access to inappropriate material. “Adults can’t use those,” said Bette Ammon, library director.  Upstairs, kiosks offering work stations with Internet filters for adults are usually busy; a computer lab with unfiltered computers also draws patrons. “They’re clearly marked, and people can choose,” Ammon said. “It appears to be working really well.” But the Coeur d’Alene library, like every other library in the state, will have to change its system between now and October, under a new law enacted by the Idaho Legislature this year; you can read my full story here from Sunday's Spokesman-Review.



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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