A federal law that will soon go into effect could have some startling consequences, including the possible banning of children from libraries unless certain books are pulled from the shelves.
The law is called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and it is designed to protect children all over the country from the dangers of lead.
Experts said there could be trace amounts of lead in books because of the ink. That’s why the government wants all books, old and new, tested for lead.
Reading is a favorite activity for Jennifer Malice and her family, but a new law aimed at keeping lead out of toys may also keep some books out of libraries.
“Books are a very important thing and when you’re reading it expands everything. It opens your eyes to the world,” Malice said.
The law goes into effect on Feb. 10. After that day, all products for children under 12, including books, games, toys and even clothing, must be tested for lead.
Critics argue lead testing is expensive. For a book it could between $300 and $600.
“We just can’t afford to do that, and most of the tests would destroy the books. So, we just think this is crazy,” said Emily Sheketoff, of the American Libraries Association.
