TAKE ACTION! Don't let them close our children's libraries.

[annettemarie]

There are many aspects of the CPSIA that are disturbing. I know we have one thread focusing on the effect it will have on small businesses, but I was to start another to address the potential closing of all children's libraries.

Under the current opinion issued by the General Counsel of the CPSC, the law would apply to books for children under the age of 12; therefore, public, school, academic and museum libraries would be required to either remove all their children’s books or ban all children under 12 from visiting the facilities as of February 10.

http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1573

So, someone in the other thread mentioned we should have a "read-in". I'd like to run with this!

I have two ideas-- one would be to pick a date and have a "read in". I'm a little afraid that would be burdensome both to plan and for the libraries to host.

What I'm leaning towards is starting a blog or a website or something and asking everyone to take a trip to their local library. Take a picture of your child enjoying the library. Maybe even hold a sign up telling the CPSC where they can stick the new law (OK, that might be nice. But a sign saying "Save my library!" would be great). Then we can upload them all, maybe get media coverage.

Now, I've never done anything like this before, so I definitely need some guidance. Anyone want to join me?

ETA: Actually, maybe this could be extended to small businesses and WAHMS as well. I'm envisioning kids playing with toys with signs that say "Please don't close my mama's business" and "Please don't outlaw my handmade toys!" But maybe that is too far-reaching?

[LeighB]

Yes, fantastic idea and it needs to happen!
I think we all should just pick a date and do it ourselves. It would be burdensome for the libraries to do, and some may just not want to host.
I love the idea of the children holding signs.
The most important thing is to get the word out that banning children is even a possibility. I;m certain many people have no idea about this law. Maybe we could also pass out fliers with the legislation on it and who to contact??

Great idea AM!

[annettemarie]

So, you think it would be better to pick a date and have an en masse demonstration than to have people just do it at their conveniance and send pictures somewhere?

[LeighB]

Well, I think it might make a bigger impact. I'm not familiar with blog traffic or how to get the word out via the internet- do you think more people would notice it if it was online?

[Theoretica]

Thanks AM!!!

My original brain vision of this idea was that on the day the law is supposed to go into affect, all around the country kids (and their keepers LOL) go sit at the library and read books. Maybe even make signs that say:

No Thanks, No Way
You Won't Take My Books Away

And teach 'em to chant it.

A few rounds of We Shall Overcome and we've got ourselves a civil disobedience moment!

I''ve been marching in protests since I was a baby, thanks to my mama :

I remember marching in Texas against the KKK...I was really little, it was so scary but I was SO proud!!

[Theoretica]

Hey Look at my post!!!

I"M A BIG GIRL NOW!!!!!

:::::::::

[Theoretica]

Ok so the date is February 10th right? So I say we make it our siggy to go READ IN at your local library with your kids on February 10th ohhhhh how about at TEN OCLOCK since it's the tenth and all? And we can send it out to our local etrees and contacts. With enough mention of this we could make it a total grassroots revolution and really get noticed!!!

I love activism....it makes me all giddy inside LOL

[annettemarie]

That's awesome. I really like it.

[annettemarie]

I would also really encourage anyone with a blog or facebook to blog or facebook about this. I just blogged about it (including posting pictures of our brand new library facility that could end up closing before the grand opening!). The word just isn't getting out for some reason, so I think we'll have to push to get it out there.

[Theoretica]

There is a Facebook Group called Kids Need Libraries

[annettemarie]

Oh, excellent! This is the stuff I don't know how to do.

Will you post a link when you're done?

[Mama2Bug]

I was just saying to DH tonight that I am tempted to hang on to all of the books we have checked out from the library until this is all sorted out. I'd hate to return them just to have them destroyed.

[Theoretica]

Double Post...my bad!

[annettemarie]

Theoretica, you're awesome. Seriously. I've been seeing you all over MDC lately and have totally been digging you, but this seals the deal!

With your permission, I'd like to start a blog by the same name. I want to include links to all the pertinent information, and then people will have a place to send pics.

Also, I'm going to try to write a press release for people participating in the Read In.

I'm also a pretty good slogan maker. Let me think...

[Mama~Love]

So, reading the quote in the OP, the schools would either have to remove ALL textbooks, ALL library books, ALL school supplies etc, or shut down too?

[annettemarie]

I am unsure if it's ALL this stuff, or just stuff that is circulated. There is a great deal of confusion surrounding this poorly written legislation.

[ashleyhaugh]

this law is really one of the stupidest things that has been done in a while. you'd think when whoever wrote it realized it would mean banning kids from libraries, they'd realize that it needed some tweaking. thats just absurd

[annettemarie]

I think it's important to remember that even if we "save the libraries" there's still a lot wrong with this legislatation. Thousands of small business and cottage industries are going to go out of business as well.

[annettemarie]

OK, Theoretica, operating under the guise that it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission, LOL, I started this blog:
http://kidsneedlibraries.blogspot.com/
I'd love to add you as a co-owner (or whatever it's called) if you want!

My goal is to have links/copies/quotes of the ALA and CPSIA, contact info, and into about the Read-In. If anyone has something to add, please let me know.

[Theoretica]

I'm brainstorming...this is awesome!