Decision Expected in Early February on Whether Lead in Kids’ Books Jeopardizes Libraries

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 1/26/2009

• Lead ban applied to toys
• CPSC can exempt libraries
• ALA says keep the pressure on

American Library Association (ALA) officials said earlier this month that they were hopeful that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which aims to keep lead out of toys, wouldn’t threaten books in libraries. But the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has yet to grant an exemption.

The commission’s general counsel said last week that a decision should be made by the first week of February regarding libraries and advised libraries not to take any action just yet. While ALA officials said they remain hopeful about an exemption, they aren’t taking it for granted. ALA last week advised members to call Acting Chairman Nancy Nord with the message that it is impossible for libraries to remove all children’s books from the shelves and/or ban children under 12 from the library.

So many calls were made, ALA executive director Keith Fiels said yesterday at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver, that “this commissioner has subsequently begged us to stop calling.” Now ALA is targeting the other commissioner, Thomas Moore. “I’m sure he can’t wait to hear from you,” ALA President Jim Rettig said, with a touch of irony.

Fiels said, “We’ve been told by Congress [the commission] has the ability to grant an exemption, either to libraries or specifically for books. If that does not occur, I believe Congress will take action. This is all in negotiation. We’re working against a February 10 deadline.”