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Local Library Refuses to Disclose 11 yo Child's Withdrawals to Parent Cites Privacy Rights
04.11.06 | chickensoup

Posted on 04/11/2006 5:19:44 PM PDT by Chickensoup

Today I called my local small town library which is staffed by wonderful people. My 11 year old son was with me and we were calling to renew his two library books. The librarian said that he actually had six books out and several were overdue. I asked her which ones were out and her statement was: I cannot tell you because of your son's right to privacy.

I thought she was joking.

Then I became angry.

I later spoke to the Head of the Library Board who told me that he was equally shocked that there was such a law on the books. The law states that anyone with a library card is guaranteed the right to privacy. And our library gives out cards at age 5. He said the Maine State Library Association is very powerful and it would be difficult to change any rulings.

Guess what folks, parental rights are being eroded in favor of children's

And parents are still responsible for the fines.

Here is the Maine State Library Association's perspective: issueshttp://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/view/columns/1484378.shtml

And the American Library Association http://www.ala.org/al_onlineTemplate.cfm?Section=april2005ab&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=91053

Maine State Law

Maine Legislature Title 27: LIBRARIES, HISTORY, CULTURE AND ART Chapter 4-A: LIBRARY RECORDS 121. Confidentiality of library records Records maintained by any public municipal library, the Maine State Library, the Law and Legislative Reference Library and libraries of the University of Maine System and the Maine Maritime Academy that contain information relating to the identity of a library patron relative to the patron's use of books or other materials at the library are confidential. Those records may only be released with the express written permission of the patron involved or as the result of a court order. [1997, c. 146, §1 (amd); §2 (aff).]


TOPICS: Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: ala; childrenrights; homosexualagenda; leftist; library; moralabsolutes; parentalrights
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To: ml/nj

Who is liable for the overdues or replacements on these books?


Me.


61 posted on 04/12/2006 4:15:46 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: Rodney King

Silly law. Anyway, if your son has a right to privacy, then he has a right to waive that privacy. Bring in a not signed by him waiving it. See what they say.

Probably, but there is an issue and a principle at stake here.


62 posted on 04/12/2006 4:17:45 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: who_would_fardels_bear

In what way (if any) do Republicans differ from Democrats in the Northeast?

They dont. This is the state of Susan CollinsR and Olympia SnowR


63 posted on 04/12/2006 4:18:51 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: proudmilitarymrs

"If I went in with them and checked out the books they wanted on my card, I knew what they had, when it was due, and what was in each book. There were no lost or overdue books with resultant fines. The library doesn't have control over the raising of my children; I do, and I'm not about to give it up to a bunch of lefties."


I didnt even know and I bet most parents dont.

Think. They would probably report to the FBI or DHS before letting old Mom and Dad know of problelms.


64 posted on 04/12/2006 4:20:46 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: VanDeKoik

Minors do not have the right to privacy!

They do in libraries.

I recommend that we hit libraries in the pocketbook.


65 posted on 04/12/2006 4:21:46 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: Grizzled Bear

The military hospital does the same thing with medical records. My wife and I have to have a release form on file so we can pick up each others medical records. However; this library thing seems a little extreme. I would definitely know what my kid is reading.

There is a huge difference between an adult's medical record and a childs library book list.


66 posted on 04/12/2006 4:23:36 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: Chickensoup

Another attempt to erode parental rights.

Maybe that is true, but if I were the parent I would just ask the kid what books he took out. 11 year old boy could possibly have taken a book out about sex (I used to be an 11 year old boy and you begin to discover things that may bring questions) and was too embarrased to ask for it from the parents. I am not saying that is right or anything, but that could be a logical possibility or maybe he just got six and you thought it was two. Too much worry over this story. One thing is you can take the card away or keep with you and then he can only take out books when a parent is around.


67 posted on 04/12/2006 4:24:56 AM PDT by napscoordinator
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To: MIchaelTArchangel

And if you really want to get the librarian's attention, go to your town's budget meeting and tell your story ending it with a demand that the library budget be cut 25% which ought to eliminate a librarian or two. You will be surprised (a) how much support you will get from other parents and (b) how much the librarians and library trustees will scream like HowWeird Dean.

I would hate to lose our librarians. They are terrific people who are hemmed in by bad laws.


68 posted on 04/12/2006 4:26:10 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: napscoordinator

Maybe that is true, but if I were the parent I would just ask the kid what books he took out. 11 year old boy could possibly have taken a book out about sex (I used to be an 11 year old boy and you begin to discover things that may bring questions) and was too embarrased to ask for it from the parents. I am not saying that is right or anything, but that could be a logical possibility or maybe he just got six and you thought it was two. Too much worry over this story. One thing is you can take the card away or keep with you and then he can only take out books when a parent is around.

No. He has a mild case of ADD and just lost count. I am the one who checked them out.


69 posted on 04/12/2006 4:27:41 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: Alouette

The librarian would not allow me to check out my husband's book! She told me the reason was couples might separate and then maliciously check out each other's library books.


Now that is funny. Let me see take half of everything he or she owns or run to the library and run up fines.


70 posted on 04/12/2006 4:28:09 AM PDT by napscoordinator
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To: On the Road to Serfdom; Chickensoup
Just because you don't like the policy (and I agree) does not mean keeping them is a good response.

I'm not so sure. This may be the most effective form of protest. If enough parents protested by suddenly beginning to be "unaware of any missing books checked out by their child", the libraries might start to get the message that the parents aren't going to be on the hook for fines over unknown books.

Plus, they could then return all of the books at once, and enjoy watching the librarians work overtime....
71 posted on 04/12/2006 4:29:48 AM PDT by beezdotcom
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To: luckystarmom
The county has the same sort of system here. I was just at the library and wanted to find out how much she owed in fines and pay the amount down if it was getting close to having her privileges suspended. My GD spent about half her time with us since her mom was single and worked as an RN on the night shift. Consequently her shifting back and forth between two houses meant some things were always in disarray. Library book returns and fines were one of those things.
72 posted on 04/12/2006 4:33:26 AM PDT by robowombat
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To: Chickensoup

No. He has a mild case of ADD and just lost count. I am the one who checked them out.


Understand. Then this library is just in that "we are better than the parents scenario". Sad. However, after you discussed this to the district officer, you mentioned they had no idea about these rules. Maybe they will talk with your library and put these rules under the trashbin. In all actuality you may have helped your entire community today. If that in fact happens, then you should be extremely proud of yourself as we are.


73 posted on 04/12/2006 4:36:44 AM PDT by napscoordinator
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To: napscoordinator

This is not a rule, this is:

Maine State Law

Maine Legislature Title 27: LIBRARIES, HISTORY, CULTURE AND ART Chapter 4-A: LIBRARY RECORDS 121. Confidentiality of library records Records maintained by any public municipal library, the Maine State Library, the Law and Legislative Reference Library and libraries of the University of Maine System and the Maine Maritime Academy that contain information relating to the identity of a library patron relative to the patron's use of books or other materials at the library are confidential. Those records may only be released with the express written permission of the patron involved or as the result of a court order. [1997, c. 146, §1 (amd); §2 (aff).]


74 posted on 04/12/2006 4:41:00 AM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: Chickensoup

Sick. I am sorry that Maine is so crazy although I would imagine many states have the same statutes. I guess going to the next Libary Town hall meeting and speak up about funding like one poster mentioned may be your only option. You know I am sure that your son knows you are an awesome parent even though the state of Maine does not think so. My kids are younger than yours so I haven't gotten into some of this stuff, but through your experiences I will be prepared. Thanks!!! Sorry you have to go through it though.


75 posted on 04/12/2006 4:45:28 AM PDT by napscoordinator
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To: Chickensoup
Sadly, our libraries have become liberal enclaves...protecting/promoting liberal ideas.

Beware!

76 posted on 04/12/2006 4:46:45 AM PDT by Guenevere
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To: jazusamo

Not quite. They would ban any Christian books or any books that had a moral message.


77 posted on 04/12/2006 4:47:44 AM PDT by redgolum ("God is dead" -- Nietzsche. "Nietzsche is dead" -- God.)
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To: Guenevere
Sadly, our libraries have become liberal enclaves...protecting/promoting liberal ideas.

Spot on!

This is liberal policies in action....the same you would see from a Democrat in the White House or if Democrats regained control of Congress.

Do-good rules that protect the bad guys and erode our rights.

78 posted on 04/12/2006 4:51:36 AM PDT by Erik Latranyi (The Democratic Party will not exist in a few years....we are watching history unfold before us.)
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To: redgolum

Not quite. They would ban any Christian books or any books that had a moral message.



Not my library. They stock what fits. I have no problem with my library or my librarians. It is the stupid law that gets me.


79 posted on 04/12/2006 4:55:29 PM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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To: ME Conservative; spartan68; Madame Dufarge; busybody; Severa; SheLion; larryjohnson; Rocket1968; ...

ping


80 posted on 04/12/2006 4:59:10 PM PDT by Chickensoup (The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.The water in the pot is getting warmer, froggies.)
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