Should libraries restrict kids' access to videos?

At libraries throughout the suburbs, children can check out copies of the bloody World War II film "Saving Private Ryan," episodes of the violent crime drama "The Sopranos" or countless other videos and DVDs with decidedly adult themes.

That's because many libraries don't limit kids' access to videos, just as most don't limit children's access to books, CDs, magazines or other media.

Some do, however, and refuse to allow juveniles to check out movies of any kind. Other libraries allow parents to request special cards for their children that restrict borrowing privileges based on content.

For a few years, parents in the Arlington Heights Memorial Library District have had three options: letting their kids check out any material; letting them borrow anything except R-rated DVDs and videos; and, for youths younger than 12, restricting usage to the Kids' World collection.

More Coverage Stories Broms: Parents should decide what kids watch, not libraries [12/10/07] Oakley: Restrictions would keep kids from objectionable material [12/10/07]

Officials in the Cook Memorial Public Library District face this dilemma now. Young patrons at the libraries in Libertyville and Vernon Hills now can check out any video, but -- prompted by some citizen concerns -- trustees are debating whether to create content-based video restrictions.

One board member, Ann Oakley, has said the library should restrict children's use unless parents specifically give permission for unlimited use.

Others, including Karen Broms, say that policy would go too far. Although they've yet to make a formal decision, most trustees say parents should decide whether their kids' borrowing abilities are restricted, a stance similar to the Arlington Heights policy.

The board's policy review committee will discuss the issue again Wednesday night.