We travel across the state regularly—and if there’s one thing we hear from parents more often than anything else, it’s their exasperation that some libraries are seemingly hellbent on peddling pornography to children.
That’s why Idaho Family Policy Center researched and drafted the Children’s School and Library Protection Act (CSLPA). This law requires public schools and community libraries to take reasonable steps to ensure children don’t stumble upon obscene materials while browsing library collections.
It’s simple for libraries to comply with the law. They only need to store sexually explicit materials in a locked room or at the front counter—places that children can’t access.
This was all too much for the Donnelly Public Library, who announced that they would convert into an “adult-only” library soon after the law was adopted.
Their malicious compliance – prohibiting children from entering the library without a parent – went far beyond the “reasonable steps” required by the CSLPA.
But now the Donnelly Public Library has turned their stubbornness into something more sinister.
Idaho Family Policy Center recently received a tip that the Donnelly Public Library is now offering blanket consent waivers disguised as “patron applications” that allow children to access obscene materials without parental supervision.
We obtained one of these patron applications through a public records request—and you won’t believe what it contains:
- The library acknowledges that their collection contains “adult content” (read: pornography) and that children may stumble across “grown-up library materials.” Aren’t euphemisms great?
- Even worse? The library insists that librarians aren’t able to review every book in their collection and that they “are not responsible for the content” of library items—despite having that legal duty under the CSLPA.
- Worst of all? Parents who want their children to check out library books must “waive [their] right(s)” to the legal remedies available to them under the CSLPA.
All this begs the question: Why is the Donnelly Public Library so desperate to distribute obscene materials to children?
Regardless of their motive, one thing is certain—these patron application forms are patently illegal.
Here’s the truth: The CSLPA doesn’t allow libraries to sidestep liability by obtaining blanket consent waivers from parents. Unless a parent is physically present with the child when they access obscene materials, a library has violated the law and could be liable for damages—regardless of any prior waiver.
How low will these libraries stoop to give porn to kids? It’s a real race to the bottom—and the Donnelly Library is taking a decisive lead.
But seriously. These libraries think they can break the law without suffering consequences.
It’s time to hold them accountable—and we plan to make sure that happens. Keep your eyes peeled.
P.S. Would you prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible gift of $65, $175, or $350 to help us make sure that our children are protected?
Your support will help build an Idaho where children’s innocence is safeguarded—and where God is honored.
