Libraries, bookstores across America could be forced to yank kids' books off shelves

The San Jose Mercury News reports:

Everyone agrees reading is good for kids. But a federal law taking effect next month appears to deem children's books a potential health hazard and may force libraries and bookstores to clear out entire children's collections until they're proven free of toxic lead and plastic.

That little-known consequence of a law passed to protect kids from tainted toys has librarians and publishers lobbying furiously for an exemption before it takes effect Feb. 10. Without a reprieve, San Jose library officials say they could be forced to close their children's sections and send off all 700,000 volumes in them for safety testing.

"It's truly a case of unforeseen consequences," said Assistant Library Director Ned Himmel. "It seems so unbelievable that we'd have to close off children's rooms. We consider our libraries a healthy place and good for children."

Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in August to protect kids from exposure to lead and plastic. The law followed the discovery of lead paint in imported toy trains and mounting health concerns about baby bottles and toys containing phthalates, used to make some plastics more flexible.

Lawyers for the Consumer Product Safety Commission told publishers in a recent opinion that the law covers children's books as well as toys and applies retroactively to include library collections. All books aimed at kids under 12, the commission said, need to be tested to ensure they don't exceed the
new lead and phthalate limits.

Remember,this passed the House 424-1: Ron Paul was the only person to vote against this madness.