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Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins found himself in the crosshairs of the left for taking a tough stance on a Missouri library vendor. This move, however, won him thanks and support from the grassroots pro-family forces in Missouri.
In March, Hoskins’s office suspended funding to an e-book vendor called “OverDrive.” The use of such vendors to allow library customers access to digital downloads on their own devices opens up a new world of content concerns when it comes to minors and what they can access without a guardian’s knowledge.
Missouri’s Secretary of State office clearly stated that funds were only suspended to OverDrive until they can provide a thorough review of their policies and safeguards for kids to not access inappropriate materials. Hoskins said: “Our priority is protecting Missouri’s children while holding taxpayer-funded vendors accountable. We expect OverDrive to clarify its policies and demonstrate how it is ensuring appropriate access to content.”
This, of course, drew the expected scream of “book banner” from Missouri’s liberal activsts. But despite the loudmouth leftists, Secretary Hoskins is doing something that nearly all of us support. He’s safeguarding young readers and ensuring responsible use of public funds. He’s also reminding us that our public libraries are a primary target for the left’s indoctrination of our kids. Conservatives can’t forget that our grassroots action must focus attention on local library boards just as much as school boards for their actions against the integrity of the American family. Phyllis Schlafly often reported on the American Library Association’s strategizing on how libraries could circumvent obscenity laws, or make sure that children, no matter how young, have access to everything in the library. This action over e-books from the Missouri Secretary of State is a great launch point for you to look into your local library. What kind of governing board does it have, and how do those people get there? Are they elected? Appointed? Make sure to find out how you can you throw your hat in the ring to safeguard the family at your local library.
This post originally appeared at https://phyllisschlafly.com/constitution/free-speech/missouri-secretary-of-state-takes-on-library-content/
Phyllis Schlafly