New Orleans parents now have more control over what minors can borrow from library
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Photo: Courtesy of New Orleans Public Library
The New Orleans Public Library on Monday unveiled rules to give parents more control over what materials their children can check out.
Why it matters: The procedures are required by a new state law aimed at restricting minors from checking out items deemed "sexually explicit."
The big picture: The bill passed last year along with several others targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
- It also came amid an increase in challenges to mostly LGBTQ+ books in Louisiana libraries.
Driving the news: Parents and guardians have to physically visit a New Orleans library branch to update what materials youth are able to check out.
- The new permissions apply to cards held by anyone 17 and younger.
- Guardians will have the option to permit all materials for checkout. They can also opt for a setting that vets materials.
Yes, but: Librarians already shelve materials "in age-appropriate sections," the library said in a statement.
- The library also noted that sometimes young people seek information from libraries "when they are embarrassed or uncomfortable about asking an adult," and factual information can help them.
- "We hope that these changes spark conversations between adults and the youth in their care about what media is appropriate for them to read, watch and consume," the statement said.
Between the lines: The library board members determine what materials are deemed sexually explicit.
By the numbers: New Orleans has one of the largest concentrations of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S., with 4.7% of the adult population identifying as members of the community.
What's next: Guardians in New Orleans have until May 30 to make selections for minors.
- If they don't, the library will restrict minors' access to digital materials.
Meanwhile, Jefferson Parish library officials say they are reviewing their policies and will be releasing more information before the June 1 deadline.
Go deeper: Louisiana lawmakers debate "Don't Say Gay" bill.