“Sexual content on the Internet will be the subject of four upcoming meetings sponsored by the Sno-Isle Regional Library System.According to Mary Kelly, community relations manager, Sno-Isle board members will be present to listen to comments in the following areas:* People’s own experience, both positive and negative, using the Internet in the library.* What responsibility parents have when it comes to their children’s use of the Internet at the library.* Steps the Sno-Isle board should consider, if any, to modify access to the Internet at the library.Internet pornography has been an issue on South Whidbey, particularly at the Freeland Library. Complaints from a few parents resulted in new screens being placed over computers to reduce the chance that passersby can see what is being viewed. At present, filters that screen out sexual content are used only in the children’s section of Sno-Isle libraries.A similar issue erupted in Stanwood, which resulted in the creation of a group called SAFE (Secure Access For Everyone) headed by Arlington City Councilman Daniel Anderson. The Stanwood Camano News quoted Anderson as saying, What people do in the privacy of their own home is up to them. SAFE is just saying that the library should be a safe place for our kids. His group is asking Sno-Isle to install filters on all library computers. A new federal law mandates such action in order to receive federal funds, but that law is being challenged in the courts.On Tuesday, SAFE members picketed the Sno-Isle headquarters in Marysville in protest of what it described as an Internet policy which allows both adults and minors to freely access obscenity and makes capable the ability to access child pornography though both are clearly illegally transmitted by computer.None of the Sno-Isle meetings will be held on South Whidbey. Hours are from 7-9 p.m. on the following evenings:* Thursday, May 31, Monroe Fire Station, 1673 Village Court.* Monday, June 4, Oak Harbor Library Meeting Room, 1000 SE Regatta.* Wednesday, June 6, Lynnwood Library Meeting Room, 19200 44th Ave. West.* Thursday, June 7, Marysville Library Meeting Room, 6120 Grove Street.Kelly said the library board is expected to consider the information gathered when it meets in regular session at 1 p.m. Monday, June 25 at the Oak Harbor Library. “
Library seeks input on Internet porn
Sexual content on the Internet will be the subject of four upcoming meetings sponsored by the Sno-Isle Regional Library System.