My Letter to Library Commissioner, Mary A. Dempsey

October 2, 2008

Mary A. Dempsey
Library Commissioner
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State St.
Chicago, IL 60605

Dear Commissioner Dempsey:

I am a resident of our beloved city, Chicago, and I am writing to express my concern about the open and rampant use of Internet pornography in the Harold Washington branch of the Chicago Public Library. I was first made aware of this issue when visiting the library this past weekend. After inquiring about the policies for computer use, I was told that patron use of pornography in Chicago Public Libraries is protected as a “Right”. I understand the importance of the First Amendment and I do believe that the Right to Free Speech is paramount.

However, the First Amendment does not protect obscenity and the images I was exposed to in the Public Library fail the three-pronged Miller test for obscenity. Also, I do not believe that the First Amendment enables the patrons who choose to use pornography in public to also have the right to subject others to these graphic images.

It is important to note that the arrangement of computers in the Harold Washington branch make the content of several workstations easily visible from the reading tables without effort, regardless of privacy screen use. Further, this arrangement allows very clear viewing of the row immediately in front of any workstation. Again, without effort.

I called your office Tuesday, September 30th, to address my concerns and spoke with Assistant Library Commissioner, Greta Bever. I feel that Ms. Bever did not adequately address my concern, but was more interested in defending the open display of pornography as a “Right” and in implying that I was wrongfully invading the privacy of other patrons. Ms. Bever also mentioned that Chicago Public Libraries are under the guidance of the American Library Association (ALA).

From what I could find on their website, I understand that the ALA has openly advocated that Public Libraries maintain open and unfettered access to the Internet in the interest of Intellectual Freedom. However, I also realize that every city is allowed to make its own policies and guidelines for Internet use.

Most cities across our nation are dealing with this same issue of censorship vs. pornographic obscenity in the Public Libraries and many cities have devised working solutions to this issue. For example, a library near Boston does not have filters on the computers, but instead has a stated official policy that pornography is not allowed in the library and enforces that policy by revoking library privileges temporarily for repeat offenders. For those that have a legitimate research need, a separate section is available – away from the open view of other library patrons.

It is possible to maintain a Public Library that supports Intellectual Freedom and is also a safe and non-harassing environment for everyone to work and live in. I would appreciate your support in this matter.

Thank you for your time and considerations.

Sincerely,

Amanda Bratschie