Porn is Free Speech at Public Libraries (Page 2)

Apparently more than a few in this thread do.

So should we allow stores to sell booze and cigarettes to kids?  Because by your logic, it's the responsibility of the parents to make sure their kids do not use these items.  A good parent will know what their kids are up to but I doubt many will agree that we should be selling these things to kids.

(and yes it's not a perfect analogy but it's close enough)

Access to any specific topic at a public library is not a right. It is a publicly funded service. The people who pay for those services should be able to decide what is decent or not.  Have the locals decide and get the lawyers out of it.  If I want my tax dollars to pay for a place where my children can go and learn free of porn, I should be able to have some type of say in that.

This really just seems like common sense.

Whoa. You lost me with that sharp right turn.

What are you saying?

I have a problem with libraries turning over their content to "the locals."

Some people think the Harry Potter series of book should be banned; the allegation is that the books are (take your pick) Satan worshipping, promoting Witchcraft, anti-Christian. Those people don't want their children exposed to the ideas found in the HP books. Obviously, I don't fall into the camp that thinks these books should be banned and I don't think we should allow "the locals" to decide. Libraries have best practices and policies. Let them follow them.

I still haven't heard anything to sway my opinion in favor of banning the viewing of pornography.   Not saying a compelling argument doesn't exist, just saying I haven't heard one yet. If we're going to talk about banning anything, a compelling argument should be made to support the ban.

Why not?

Sorry DP.  No pun intended . . . 

Who would you suggest control the content of local libraries?

If the concern is that a kid will be exposed to porn, what would stop some pervert from bringing in his own porn magazines and leaving them where kids will see them (or showing them to kids)?

The difference between the library not filtering the internet and buying actual skin magazines is that the internet is already being paid for, with whatever part of the library budget pays for it. In the samw way the library makes decisions about buying this book or that, or this subscription or that, they would be making an active decision to acquire Playboy or whatever.

My oldest worked as a children's librarian last year, and spent part of her time monitoring what the kids were doing. On many occasions, she had to remind, for example, 10 year old boys not to look at naked people. The librarian is not there to BE a parent, but may well be monitoring what the kids are doing. If the job prospects were not so poor, my daughter considering becoming a children's librarian as a career, since she enjoyed getting to know the kids, running programs for them (and their families), recommending books to kids, etc.

Rather than about what is or is not accessible at the library, I would suggest people support their libraries. Tell the town council not to cut services, and have children's librarians. They will help to ensure that your kids get a good experience in the library, foster a love of learning and reading, and build their future.

Librarians.

And can you protect me from being exposed to material I may find objectionable?  I can choose not to go to a pron shop or strip joint if I find the material objectionable but should I have to make the choice to not go to a public library funded in part by my tax dollars?  Should I be subjected to such patrons and why?

They are locals.  They also work for the city, county or whoever funds the library.  So, I think we agree.

I agree the library is funded by everyone so should have a great deal of leeway in what is offered. 

My answer would be no for a number of reasons including children but mostly it is a shared space and there should be some standard.  One can go any number of place to procure pron where else do I go for a public library if I choose not to be exposed to pron?

I agree with both your answers, particularly since your first question started with "should," and not "must."  That being said, I also think the library should take reasonable steps to prevent others from being exposed to objectionable, within reason, images or sounds.

But, the OP dealt with a 1A issue.  So, my question is: Does anyone think that adults have a 1A right to view pornography at a public library?

I think most sensible adults would agree that watching porn in public it is of very poor taste and most of us would not do it.

The problem would be where is the line drawn in regards to what could be objectionable.  Books that include sexual content, research dedicated to sexuality, etc?  We all know how radical some conservative groups can get with this issued.  Do we want to open the door to a law suit to remove content that others think immoral based on their personal or religious views?

There was a case in Miami-Dade County not long ago where a group filed a petition to remove a children’s book that depicted the life of Cuban children out of the Miami Dade School’s libraries because they deemed that it didn’t portray the life that most Cuban children lived accurately and that helped to promote communist ideas.  They were successful in having the School Board banned the book from the schools due to political influence.  After that the ACLU rightfully sue the school board to have the book returned to its place.

My point is, that a Pandora box would be opened by banning something that might be perceived wrong by some.

Why do you think it is "right" for a Court to order a local school board to put any book on their library shelves?  I understand that you may think it's better that the book be there than not, but that's not the question.

ETA:  It seems the ACLU was not ultimately successful in that case:

http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/us-supreme-court-denies-aclus-petition-hear-vamos-cuba-book-censorship-case

But is it not a slippery slope the other way as well?  Should any behavior what so ever be allowed in public?

And if the computer is in an open and viewable space shall I close my eyes to walk through the library.  And you are correct we do have laws against certain behaviors in public including lewd behavior because the majority seem to believe it's wrong.  Many places segregate "adult entertainment" to certain sections of the city because a large portion of the city doesn't want to be subjected to it.  I would not bet that it is only a few patrons that see it as wrong.

I suggest that it would be illegal for me to set up a huge TV on my front lawn, beside a public sidewalk, and show pornography.  Thoughts?