The Nanny State to the Rescue!

[To protect all the children killed by reading. Luckily 70+ years of increased government intervention in education has reduced reading to a small and manageable problem which this law should help to eliminate entirely. - JH]

New Law Could Keep Books Out Reach For Children

A federal law that will soon go into effect could have some startling consequences, including the possible banning of children from libraries unless certain books are pulled from the shelves.
The law is called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and it is designed to protect children all over the country from the dangers of lead.

Experts said there could be trace amounts of lead in books because of the ink. That's why the government wants all books, old and new, tested for lead.

Reading is a favorite activity for Jennifer Malice and her family, but a new law aimed at keeping lead out of toys may also keep some books out of libraries.

"Books are a very important thing and when you're reading it expands everything. It opens your eyes to the world," Malice said.

The law goes into effect on Feb. 10. After that day, all products for children under 12, including books, games, toys and even clothing, must be tested for lead.

Critics argue lead testing is expensive. For a book it could between $300 and $600.
"We just can't afford to do that, and most of the tests would destroy the books. So, we just think this is crazy," said Emily Sheketoff, of the American Libraries Association.

The American Libraries Assocation is lobbying Capitol Hill to exclude public and school libraries from the new law. If not, it said millions of books will be taken off the shelves and destroyed or kids won't be allowed in the libraries.

"Books are not hazardous and the commission should be focused on where the hazards are, and that's not books," Sheketoff said.

"CPSC does not want to take books away from kids. We want to encourage reading but also have kids with safe products," said Scott Wolfson, of the CPSC.

The commission admitted the law is vague, especially on the issue of books. The group said it is working on specific guidelines for libraries, schools and bookstores.

The owners of the Green Alligator in Avondale have already taken a proactive approach to the new law. All vendors must sign a certificate stating the products sold are compliant with the new lead law.

"As a mother I would want to know without a doubt that the products I am purchasing are safe for my own children," said Green Alligator owner Sandi White.

The American Libraries Association said there is no danger with a majority of books, but the until the law is more accurately defined some stores aren't taking chances.