Golden Calls on Public Libraries to Take Action to Halt Access to Porn on Public Computers

Public Libraries Have Power to Protect Library Patrons From Indecent Pornographic Websites

Golden Calls for Better Filtering Software and Monitoring to Block Access to Porn Sites

Brooklyn- State Senator Marty Golden (R,C,I- Brooklyn) today is demanding that the Brooklyn, the Queens and the New York Public Library take stronger steps and establish a better policy to halt access to pornographic websites on public computers in library branches throughout the City of New York.

Golden’s call was prompted by media reports that illustrate the fact that individuals can view pornographic websites, images and videos of varying degrees, including hard-core XXX, at computer terminals in open public areas in libraries citywide. Senator Golden stated that with stronger filtering programs and monitoring, public libraries will help block access to pornographic materials on their public computers.

Senator Marty Golden stated, “Allowing anyone to view pornographic materials on a public computer in one of our library branches here in Brooklyn, or anywhere else in New York City, is appalling. The absence of a strong policy to better monitor and halt the access to pornographic websites in libraries works against years of initiatives aimed at protecting children and the public at large from being exposed to indecent, degrading and offensive pornographic material particularly in a public venue..”

Golden continued, “Libraries are for the community to enrich their educational pursuits, not be a place to go so to download pornography. It is the responsibility of the public library systems to take action to protect the public at large. This is a glaring failure to library patrons who don’t want to be subjected to actions of the small minority who use libraries for deviant and lewd actions Any safeguards must be considered immediately to proactively ensure the respect of their branches and stem the rise of pornography on their computer terminals.”