Library computers no place to view porn, board says – Jefferson County, CO

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. – The Jefferson County Library Board voted to block online pornography sites from library computers while it develops a formal policy for Internet usage.

The vote comes after the board was flooded with complaints about patrons using the computers to visit pornographic web sites in full view of other patrons. In one case, a mother and child witnessed a 17-year-old teen masturbating while watching online pornography.

During the public debate at the meeting, only one person spoke in favor of continuing adult access to pornography on library computers. It was pointed out during the meeting, however, that 17 year olds are considered adults within the library system.

Calling the issue a ‘computer generated dragnet’ Alex Hernandez said, “While one can petition the library to unblock a specific site, this approach negates the spirit of personal responsibility and discretion and instead puts the burden on the individual to ask permission for that which should be considered their right.”

Still others said, “Porn is addictive and the more you see it, the more you need to get excited, adding porn has no redeeming qualities.”

“That is entertainment, something that should be done on your own time, with your own money, with your own internet access, in the privacy of your own home,” said Melissa Maes.

There were three options: cut off all access to porn, block all children and teen computers, or block all images while letting people just read the articles.

In the end, the Board voted 4-0 to block porn sites on all computers until they can determine if there is a program that will block images only.