Coalition calls for filters at libraries

At City Hall, the council is similarly worried about cash, especially since the library is asking for a $1.7 million tax increase this year to help fund its operations.

While council members aren't fond of publicly accessible pornography, they aren't sure expensive filters are the answer.

Councilwoman Nancy Saxton said she would support filters if it made sense financially. "For me it's a cost-effective thing," she said.

Still, Councilman Dave Buhler wondered why the city library system has a different stance on filters than most other libraries statewide. "I find it curious that our library has resisted filters," he said.

While the council can't make library policy decisions — those are up to the board — it can make budget decisions. Brady said filters are a budget decision since non-filtered libraries are ineligible for federal funds under the Children's Internet Protection Act.

---

E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com