RURAL LIBRARY WINS PORN BATTLE AGAINST SEATTLE ACLU

For the full text of the order and opinion click here.

Judge Edward F. Shea, Eastern Washington Federal District Court, ruled today in favor of the North Central Regional Library in Bradburn et al v. NCRL. The case was brought against the rural eastern Washington library district by the ACLU of Seattle, demanding the library remove their internet filter.

The ruling followed a decision handed down from the Washington State Supreme Court in May, 2010. The Supreme Court found that the North Central Regional Library, the largest library district in the State of Washington, did not violate Article 1, Section 5 of the Washington State Constitution with its policy of filtering the internet.

The North Central Regional Library's 28 branches use an internet filter to meet federal requirements and make collection decisions about internet content. The library filters the internet narrowly, but does filter pornography and gambling categories. The library's mission is "To promote reading and lifelong learning."

Director Dean Marney said, "Taxpayers are the winners in this case. Libraries should never be forced to use public funds to provide access to child pornography or to become illegal casinos. Libraries should be sanctuaries for people of all ages."

Dan Howard, Director of Public Services for 28 branch libraries, the Mail Order Library, and a mobile library that goes to rural schools in the 5 county district, said, "What we are doing works. It is fair and equitable and the courts have affirmed that it is constitutional. Our staff goes overboard to provide our patrons the materials and information they want and need. We build community with everything we do."

Contacts:

Tom Adams, Attorney
Karr, Tuttle, Campbell
Seattle, WA 98101
206-223-1313

Dean Marney, Executive Director
NCRL
509-663-1117 x121
dmarney@ncrl.org
www.ncrl.org

Dan Howard, Director of Public Services
NCRL
509-663-1117 x122
dhoward@ncrl.org
www.ncrl.org