Internet Porn at the Gwinnett Public Library

Imagine visiting the Gwinnett Public Library with your kids. Not a strange occurrence, but imagine now a man using the Library's computers and you glance at the screen and see porn. Not just a picture, but actual film of a sexual act going on.

Well that's what happened to a visitor to the Collins Hill Library Branch* in Lawrenceville recently. She also noted that a boy about 10 years old was sitting next to the man, viewing the same webpage.

"Parents, if you're concerned about what your children see in the library, not just on the Internet or what they do in the library, the library's a public place. And so we do have to ask parents to take some responsibility,” said Boyd.

"I feel like Gwinnett has not taken that step at all to protect the children and they are hiding behind their policy,” said Hardy. AJC Article Link

Rhonda Boyd spoke on behalf of the library system, and I do understand (to a point) the problem of parents just dropping off children at a public place and not supervising them - my point of view having been shaped by working in a college library and from my eleven years working for Waldenbooks. (I could tell you some wild stories! LOL)
I also believe strongly in our First Amendment rights.

BUT, I do agree with Ms. Hardy that the library is "hiding behind their policy."
That's to be expected by most companies, and certainly by the Gwinnett Public Library, a bureaucratic government institution.

I also agree with Ms. Hardy that our taxes should not be going to pay for some guy to sit in the library and view porn. His First Amendment Rights may say he has the right to view porn, but he certainly doesn't have the right to force other people to view it as they pass by. I'm all on supporting his 'rights' as long as his rights don't infringe on anyone else's rights.

Does the Gwinnett Public Library system purchase copies of Penthouse Magazine? (I seriously doubt it)...and if they do, would they sanction someone sitting in the middle of the public library, opening the magazine centerfolds up wide where everyone passing by, even children, could see it? (again, I seriously doubt it)...and I don't see why looking at porn on the Internet in the library in full view should be any different.

Wouldn't viewing pornographic images in view of children be considered by the police under the charge of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor? If not, I just don't get it.

*Although the branch in question was the Collins Hill Library branch, it's all part of the Gwinnett County Public Library System - the same system and policies we have for libraries in Snellville.