Overcrowded Libraries: Porn issue resurfaces at public hearing

Sounds Like They had fun at the Vancouver, Washington, Community Library on Monday Night where a crowd of about 35 passionate and outspoken people talked about freedom of speech, religion and individual standards of decency. At Fort Vancouver Regional libraries, those 17 and older can use a few unfiltered Internet terminals. That means folks could Google anything they want, including porn, critics say.

“Pornography makes it unsafe,” said Andrew Campbell of Washougal, who said he has seen “objectionable material” in library printers. He called for an army of retired volunteers to monitor Internet access. “Please consider contacting the elderly,” he said. “They have a lot of time on their hands. Their families often abandon them in homes and they’d like to help.” He invoked Jesus as he stated his opposition, “I call upon the Christians in our community,” he said.