The American Library Association is in the forefront of the movement to stop protective efforts. Minors, it insists, have the same rights as adults to sexually provocative material. Not all libraries share the ALA's views. But Hennepin County Library does. This is a preposterous statement.
Children have no legal right to view pornography, at a library or anywhere else.
In fact, today providers like America Online can block sex sites without affecting others, while filtering software can be easily disabled for patrons whose needs require it. Library officials put the burden to monitor kids on parents, knowing full well that parents can't always be there. They point to the library's kiddie work stations, which few teens would touch with a ten-foot pole. The Supreme Court has held that parents are entitled to the State's support in carrying out their parental responsibilities. But when it comes to vicious and exploitative pornography, tough bounce, Mom and Dad, you're on your own.