Ackar
04-13-06, 03:27 PM
Comics ordered removed (http://www.vvdailypress.com/2006/114493343435896.html)
VICTOR VALLEY — Following a Daily Press article, First District Supervisor Bill Postmus on Wednesday ordered county libraries to remove a Japanese comic book that contained pornographic cartoons.
The book "Manga: Sixty years of Japanese Comics," became the subject of controversy after Victorville resident Cynthia Jones' 16-yearold son told her the book contained illustrations of sexual acts and sex with animals. The book was found to also be available in branches located in Hesperia, Apple Valley and Barstow.
Along with the order for removal of the book, Postmus also called for officials with the county library to draft a plan to protect children from similar books.
"This book is absolutely inappropriate for a public library and as soon as I was made aware of it, I ordered it to be removed," Postmus said.
The book was on a shelf next to other comic books popular with children.
Postmus, who serves as chairman of the Board of Supervisors and executive officer of the county, directed county libraries "to develop a method for protecting children, by creating a method for controlling which books are available to be checked out by children."
Upon hearing of the removal of the book, Jones said she could not believe the news.
"That's awesome!" Jones said. "I think Mr. Postmus is showing with his actions that he really cares about his community and the children."
The access to X-rated material in local libraries had become an issue of concern to some elected officials who earlier in the day questioned county library policies.
"I am worried that they don't have an adequate screening process," Hesperia Mayor Tad Honeycutt said. "I am sure there is something we can do to evaluate the content of some books."
Victorville Councilman Bob Hunter said that come July 1, when the city takes over the library from the county, many policies will be changed.
"I want the city library to be a family-friendly place," Hunter said.
The councilman was quick to say he does not believe in censorship of books, but was also clear to point out the need to protect underage library members from explicit content.
"When the city takes over we are not just going to look at books, but movies and Internet filters that could also pose the same threat," Hunter said.
A visit to the local Victorville library showed that besides the book in question other materials, such R-rated movies and other explicit books are available to check out to underage patrons as young as 16.
Jones said that when she started her campaign to restrict the book, she never thought the issue would be settled in such a quick manner.
Calls to County Librarian Ed Kieczykowski were not returned Wednesday.
Apple Valley Councilman Rick Roelle said sexually graphic material does not belong in a public library in the first place.
"They don't have any educational value. The county should enforce the obscenity laws that we have in California," he said.
Postmus' spokesman David Zook said the 13 copies of the book in question would be removed from all county branches, including Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia and Barstow.
I wonder what's next on their hit list?
VICTOR VALLEY — Following a Daily Press article, First District Supervisor Bill Postmus on Wednesday ordered county libraries to remove a Japanese comic book that contained pornographic cartoons.
The book "Manga: Sixty years of Japanese Comics," became the subject of controversy after Victorville resident Cynthia Jones' 16-yearold son told her the book contained illustrations of sexual acts and sex with animals. The book was found to also be available in branches located in Hesperia, Apple Valley and Barstow.
Along with the order for removal of the book, Postmus also called for officials with the county library to draft a plan to protect children from similar books.
"This book is absolutely inappropriate for a public library and as soon as I was made aware of it, I ordered it to be removed," Postmus said.
The book was on a shelf next to other comic books popular with children.
Postmus, who serves as chairman of the Board of Supervisors and executive officer of the county, directed county libraries "to develop a method for protecting children, by creating a method for controlling which books are available to be checked out by children."
Upon hearing of the removal of the book, Jones said she could not believe the news.
"That's awesome!" Jones said. "I think Mr. Postmus is showing with his actions that he really cares about his community and the children."
The access to X-rated material in local libraries had become an issue of concern to some elected officials who earlier in the day questioned county library policies.
"I am worried that they don't have an adequate screening process," Hesperia Mayor Tad Honeycutt said. "I am sure there is something we can do to evaluate the content of some books."
Victorville Councilman Bob Hunter said that come July 1, when the city takes over the library from the county, many policies will be changed.
"I want the city library to be a family-friendly place," Hunter said.
The councilman was quick to say he does not believe in censorship of books, but was also clear to point out the need to protect underage library members from explicit content.
"When the city takes over we are not just going to look at books, but movies and Internet filters that could also pose the same threat," Hunter said.
A visit to the local Victorville library showed that besides the book in question other materials, such R-rated movies and other explicit books are available to check out to underage patrons as young as 16.
Jones said that when she started her campaign to restrict the book, she never thought the issue would be settled in such a quick manner.
Calls to County Librarian Ed Kieczykowski were not returned Wednesday.
Apple Valley Councilman Rick Roelle said sexually graphic material does not belong in a public library in the first place.
"They don't have any educational value. The county should enforce the obscenity laws that we have in California," he said.
Postmus' spokesman David Zook said the 13 copies of the book in question would be removed from all county branches, including Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia and Barstow.
I wonder what's next on their hit list?