In accordance with public law 106-554, The Community District Library will adopt an Internet safety policy that incorporates use of filters on computers with Internet access.

In accordance with the requirements of the Michigan Library Privacy Act PA 212, (see attached), the Community District Library Board has instructed the staff to monitor Internet computers to prevent access to materials that might be deemed obscene and sexually explicit and therefore deemed harmful to minors.

The library staff is authorized to view the computer screens of patrons to determine if a site is inappropriate. If the staff determines the site to be inappropriate, the staff then has the authority to ask the patron to exit the site and will issue a first oral warning.

The Library is obligated to comply with federal law regarding the use of computer resources to prevent exposure to explicit images and material according to the directives of the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) of 2000, effective April 20, 2001. The law states that, “all libraries and schools must certify that they have adopted and implemented an internet safety policy. ”

The Board has cited the state’s definition of obscenity from act 722.671 on sexually explicit matter and 752.361 on obscene material and has adopted these public acts as policy.

Community District Library will use filters that are designed to restrict computers from receiving any materials that is (a) “obscene” as defined by Michigan law, or (b) “sexually explicit material that is harmful to minors” as defined by Michigan law.

The technology protection measure may be disabled. Adults requesting filters to be disabled must sign the “Request to Temporarily Disable Internet Filtering Technology”. (See a CDL Staff member.)