The Kings County Library in conjunction with the San Joaquin Valley Library System (SJVLS) participates in the federally funded “E-Rate” program which provides affordable Internet access to schools and libraries. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires E-Rate participants to follow the 2001 Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) a federal law. This law requires us to filter our Internet access.

Internet Safety, Filtering and Minors

Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their children at all times while visiting the Library.  This includes responsibility for minor children’s use of the Internet.  To provide for the safety of our minor patrons and to be compliant with CIPA, the Kings County Library currently uses filtering software to block websites that promote:

  • Computer Hacking
  • Phishing (defined as a scam by which an e-mail user is duped into revealing personal or confidential information which the scammer can use illicitly)
  • Fraud
  • Tasteless and Offensive (material considered inappropriate for public viewing)
  • Terrorism
  • Spam
  • Adult Content and Pornography
  • Spyware

Computer filters cannot guarantee that all potentially objectionable material is removed.  Kings County Library cannot guarantee that a user (minor or adult) will not get to an offensive site or will not be inadvertently exposed to one as all computers are placed in a public area. Additionally, parents and legal guardians are responsible for monitoring, supervising and deciding which Internet sites are appropriate for minors in their custody.

Children and teens increasingly use email, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of direct communication.  All patrons, minors and adults, are strongly cautioned to use good judgment when chatting with others online, recognizing that unscrupulous people will lie about themselves for their own advantage. The Kings County Library urges discretion and caution with electronic communication, especially for minors. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for all direct electronic communication (email, chat rooms or direct message service) in which minors in their custody participate.   The Library encourages parents and guardians to read and discuss safety guidelines as set forth in "Child Safety on the Internet Superhighway" and “ConnectSafely” with children. Staff can also provide copies of these documents as well.  Additionally, the Library has a brief informational brochure available to parents regarding Internet safety while at the library suitable for children and teens.

Additionally, the Kings County Library follows the “Harmful to Minors” Statute: California Penal Code 313-313.5 , a state law.  All patrons who use any resource in the library are expected to abide by this statute in addition to the federal CIPA law previously mentioned. Individuals caught displaying pornographic material of any kind on Library computers or on their own laptop, notebook or any other electronic device while in the Library will be subject to a suspension of Library privileges and/or notification of law enforcement officials.

Adopted by the Kings County Board of Supervisors on: November 4, 2008