A Stanwood, Washington, councilman has formed a political action committee to lobby for the installation of computer filters at all 21 branches of the Sno-Isle Regional Library System.
Councilman Dan Anderson said Secure Access for Everyone, or SAFE, is urging the filters in an effort to prevent access to Internet porn. SAFE plans to create awareness through mailings, meetings, and other methods, according to the March 22 Everett Herald.
“Never mind the mechanics involved,” Anderson told the newspaper. “If we catch you, we’re going to kick you out of the library and suspend your library card.”
Anderson successfully argued for a council resolution earlier this month that asks the library to amend its Internet policy to comply with the Children’s Internet Protect Act, to be phased in beginning April 20. CIPA requires libraries to install computer filters as a prerequisite to receiving federal grant funds. Library officials said Sno-Isle, a system that serves more than a half-million residents of Snohomish and Island counties, faces losing up to $160,000 annually by not complying with CIPA.
Posted April 2, 2001.