News Report #1

"Don't touch that book!" Children's products must comply with new federal lead standards by February 10.

01/17/2009

Marietta Homayonpour

NewsTimes.com

http://www.newstimes.com/localnews/ci_11481614



Coming very soon, within the next month, libraries seemingly may have to begin deshelving much of their inventory it attempts to comply with new regulations passed by Congress. This past August the Congress passed a bill which inhibits the sale of children's products containing more than 6 parts per 10,000 total lead. And yes, this includes books. And yes, this includes not just new books, but books already in existence, too. Many, such as the executive director of the American Library Association, Emily Sheketoff, are outraged. She contends libraries are in the business of providing our young minds with the materials necessary to expand their horizons and jumpstart them on the path of learning. The average small business owner, such as Nora O'Neill, could see the downside of this recent decision as well. O'Neill owns a company which buys and sells adult and children's books. This law could potentially devastate her business, as she does not forsee the ability to potentially deal with the revenue loss anticipated. The good news for both of these women, libraries in general, and most importantly, the children, is that word has come down from American Libraries Association to wait until further clarification of the law is given specifically to them.

I found this story particularly interesting because it touches on a variety of topics to me, whether it intended to or not. I think it is nice to see that we as a country are becoming far more aware of the things we bring into our country from overseas. Especially when the products come from a nation such as China, who is certainly not our best friend at the moment, and is angling for the top spot in food chain which we currently hold by most accounts. I am surprised that a provision of some sort has yet to be passed though allowing for things such as books to be allowed. Perhaps this hasn't happened yet because of the freshness of this story. I would hope that Congress would allow for such an admission; if libraries were forced to relinquish the right to hold children's books, it would be a sad day.