California Parent Sues Public Library To Limit Internet Access

Staff -- School Library Journal, 7/1/1998

While citizens of Loudoun County, VA sue to remove Internet filters from their public library's computers, across the country a mother has filed suit to put Internet restrictions in place.

The woman's lawsuit, filed against the Livermore (CA) Public Library in May, charges that her 12-year-old son used the library's computers to download "obscene" images. The parent's attorney, who is affiliated with the conservative Pacific Justice Institute, claims that the library's computers are "a public nuisance" and that it should either install filters on computers reserved for minors or require parental permission for Internet use.

Library Director Susan Gallinger defends the library's policy of "complete and open access" to the Internet and says it is the responsibility of parents to monitor their children. "Most people will agree," said Gallinger, "that librarians shouldn't be designated as babysitters."