A bill advancing in the Iowa House would make it illegal for public libraries to allow anyone under 18 to access books or materials considered harmful to minors because of sexual content — unless a parent provides written consent. Terri Hubbard is a member of the Sioux Center Public Library’s Board of Trustees.
The bill was drafted after a 13-year-old checked out a book from the Sioux Center library last summer that contained adult themes. Hubbard says any access restrictions should be addressed at the state level.
Patty Alexander of Indianola, a leader in the Warren County Moms for Liberty Chapter, says libraries should be safe spaces for families.
The proposal would allow parents to sue a public library — and any librarian — who provides sexually explicit materials to a minor. A first offense could also carry up to a year in jail.
Sam Helmick, a librarian in Iowa City and current president of the American Library Association, opposes the measure.
Chelsea Hoye, a lobbyist for the Iowa League of Cities, says the litigation risk could be crippling for small-town libraries.
Two Republicans on a House subcommittee voted to advance the bill early Thursday morning.
This story (and featured photo) is courtesy of our affiliate Radio Iowa
