North Dakota Library officials are balking at a pair of bills this legislation session that are designed to protect young people from obscene materials.
Grand Forks library leaders brought their concerns to the city council last night (Monday). Library President Brad Sherwood says if the legislation passes it would have dramatic unattended consequences for the local book building. “Our wonderful library…it would have to close if it passes as currently written…they would have to close in order to comply.”
Library Director Wendy Wendt says they do not have pornography on the shelves. Wendt says the bills refer to sexuality without definition which would result in a staff review of some 250,000 items. “The Bible would be out of the library…and if it were found in our catelog…I would be charged with a crime.”
Council President Dana Sande questioned whether it’s time to start preparing as if the bills will pass and share information with other libraries so not every book has to be individually reviewed.
Sherwood says another wrinkle is that an L-A law firm has agreed to challenge the legislation in court if it becomes law.
The council took no action at last night’s (Monday) work session.
HB 1205
SB 2360
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