Limiting Access Isn’t Libraries’ Job
It would seem pretty clear, after repeated unsuccessful attempts at “harmful to minors” legislation, that the people of Washington want nothing to do with censorship of their libraries.
Yet a persistent, misguided minority continues to push the idea. They’re at it again, in the state House of Representatives. House Bill 1448 is snaking its way through the legislative process, resting this week in the Committee on Law and Justice.
It should die there.
The issue has been raised, and discarded, several times in the last decade - both on the local and statewide levels. There are reasons it hasn’t gone further.
On a practical level, requiring libraries to separate so-called adult material from its general collection would cause a logistical nightmare. What’s objectionable? Who decides? Everything from John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath” to Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue has been tossed about as a potential offender.
Will library patrons be carded before they can look through the “S” encyclopedia? Will dictionaries, art anthologies, health books and National Geographics be tossed into a dark room where patrons slip in to read them after donning sunglasses and trench coats?
Sarcasm aside, it’s ludicrous to suggest that ideas should be segregated and restricted. Libraries are one of the few remaining bastions of free thought and tolerance where people of all ages and persuasions can explore a virtual universe of information.
The House bill seeks not only to limit access, but also would subject libraries, employees and library boards to criminal liability. To avoid sharing a cell with real criminals, library officials would more than likely respond to the chilling effect imposed by the law and stop carrying any books that might offend.
Now that would be a crime.
In fact, several state courts have ruled similar laws limiting access to libraries’ material unconstitutional. It’s a waste of time and money to pursue it here. A bill in the Senate that looks to protect minors has appropriately exempted libraries.
Instead of looking to laws to restrict access to legitimate books, magazines and other information sources, time would be better spent encouraging parents to accompany their children to the library and guide them to the types of books they’d like to see their children read. A public library can neither set nor enforce values for the families it serves.
Neither should the Legislature.
The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Anne Windishar/For the editorial board