In a pointed letter to Paula Smith, Director of the Monroe County Library System, County Executive Maggie Brooks today expressed her anger and disgust at the Central Library for permitting library patrons to view pornographic materials in proximity to children. The letter was penned in light of News 10NBC’s recent investigation, which found library patrons publicly viewing pornographic material on the internet, and the library’s policies which permit these acts to occur.

 

“I am writing to you today to register my disgust after learning that the Central Library allows pornography to be viewed openly in the presence of children.” County Executive Brooks wrote. “As WHEC-10 found in their recent investigation, internet users aged 17 and older can openly access and view graphic materials such as pornography in the Central Library, all while in the presence of children. And in one horrifying instance, a probationer previously arrested for child endangerment was found to be viewing questionable material on the second floor – and in proximity to the children’s section of the library.”

 

The County Executive demanded immediate action to remedy the situation, and also warned of a potential consequence resulting from a failure to act.

 

“I am demanding that our Central Library take immediate action to halt the public viewing of pornography and other graphic materials. And should the library chose to ignore this reasonable demand to protect our community’s children, I am prepared to exit the annual agreement with the City of Rochester, and defund library operations at the earliest possible date under the terms of the agreement. Simply put, I refuse to allow any further County tax dollars to flow to a facility that has failed to protect our children,” wrote Brooks.

 

A News 10NBC investigation found that Internet users 17 and older could openly access and view pornography in the public library system, in the presence of children. The investigation also found a probationer previously arrested for child endangerment viewing questionable material on the second floor, in proximity to the library’s children’s section.

Brooks also noted that she was “mortified” at the library’s defiant attitude on the matter, when interviewed by News 10NBC. Brooks wrote, “In a day and age where our community must remain vigilant in protecting our children, and in a community that cherishes our children’s right to a first-class educational environment, I am stunned that the library would place any interest above that of our children’s safety and welfare.”

It’s truly unfortunate that we have arrived at this moment in the long and proud history of our County’s Central Library. However, as Monroe County Executive, I will always do what is necessary to protect the safety and security of our community’s children. They deserve no less,” Brooks concluded.