The board of trustees of the H.F. and Maude E. Marchant Public Library in Scranton released the following statement to the community, especially to parents of some of the younger citizens in the Scranton area:
“As many of you know and would expect, the Marchant Library has computers for public use. Uses may range (depending on age and interests) from game-playing to homework, job searches, resume writing, adult education, catalog searching, and simply searching for topics of personal interest. This list, of course, is not exhaustive at all. Rather, these are just some examples of how public access computers may be used.
“The younger citizens have access to these computers. In past years, an internet “permission form” had been requested from the parents of children who might be using the public access computers. Children and youth must have had this signed form on file with the Library in order to use the Library’s computers.
“Note: The following is a change from past practices. The Marchant Library has been advised by representatives of the State Library that the practice of a “permission form” must be discontinued.
“All Scranton citizens have a right to access of information, both in print and electronic form. The Marchant Library adheres to the library best practice of freedom of information as stated in the Library Bill of Rights. Item Five of the Library Bill of Rights says, “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” Age is not a requirement.
“The Marchant Library staff must take off the “hat” of Mom, babysitter, guide, supervisor, and instead put on the “hat” of providing open access to information for Scranton patrons. Ultimately, it is the parent’s responsibility for what materials and web sites their children check out, view, and visit.
“The Library understands that parents are the ones best equipped to make the decisions for what information is accessed by their children.
“Please also know that the internet service at the Marchant Library is not filtered.
“You are encouraged to stop by the Library if you have questions.”
