Say No to Library Internet Censorship in Sacramento
Page Media
Tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, the Sacramento Library Board will be debating its internet use policy, which directs library staff to ask Internet users to "end a search or change a screen" if the content they are viewing is deemed to interfere with the "a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment."
The effect is like allowing one library patron to snatch a book out of another person's hands just because they do not approve of the subject matter.
If you live or work in Sacramento, p lease attend the meeting.
It's also critical to contact the Library Board .Tell them that you do not support library internet censorship, and urge them to amend the current policy.
The people of Sacramento turn to their libraries more than one-million times per year for access to important resources, including information about healthcare, sexuality, art, and politics. At stake is whether individuals will be able to rely on the library for access to this important information, or be asked to stop viewing constitutionally protected material. Visit here to read the ACLU of Northern California's letter to the Sacramento Library Board.
The Sacramento library staff is recommending that the Library Board amend the policy to remove this troubling language, and protect free speech. Please urge the Sacramento Library board to pass the staff recommendation.
What: Sacramento Library Board When: Thursday, April 24, 2008, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Where: Board of Supervisors Chambers, 700 H Street, downtown Sacramento.
Contact the Sacramento Library Board by telephone or email. Tell them that you do not support library internet censorship, and urge them to amend the current policy.
Please E-mail the Sacramento Library Board even if you plan to attend the meeting.
Efforts to ban access to information in the libraries are not new and this latest incarnation in the form of restrictive internet policies must not continue.
For more information about library internet censorship, please visit the ACLU of Northern California Say No to Library Internet Censorship webpage.
