CAI Community|Iowa book ban prompts disclaimers on Little Free Library exchanges

2025-05-04 18:37:33source:TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Centercategory:Scams

WEST DES MOINES,CAI Community Iowa (AP) — State restrictions on books that can be made available to Iowa students have prompted some Des Moines-area school districts to post disclaimers on Little Free Libraries.

Earlier this year the Iowa Legislature approved a law that bans books that describe sex acts from libraries and classrooms, forcing school districts to examine their books and remove any in violation of the new rules. The bill also requires school districts to maintain online lists of books that are available to students.

That law has led at least two suburban school districts to place disclaimers on Little Free Libraries, free-standing outdoor displays where people are encouraged to share books.

At Webster Elementary in the Urbandale school district, the Des Moines Register reports that a sign has been posted stating, “This ‘little library’ is not funded, sponsored, endorsed or maintained by the Urbandale Community School District and is not in any way part of the Urbandale Schools library program.”

Other news Hawkeyes will test Michigan State acting coach’s claim that his team is on verge of a breakthroughTrump admires a Glock handgun — but stops short of buying — as he campaigns in South CarolinaAllar, defense lead No. 7 Penn State past No. 24 Iowa 31-0

A school district spokesperson didn’t respond to an email and phone message from The Associated Press seeking a comment about the disclaimer.

In the West Des Moines school district, spokesperson Laine Buck said the district planned to add signs on any little libraries on school grounds but wouldn’t remove the exchanges.

“They are intended for free book sharing, and because it is a community resource that we believe the broader community appreciates, we currently do not have plans to remove any from district property,” Buck said.

The Des Moines school district has a Little Free Library outside at least one school but doesn’t plan to post a disclaimer, a spokesperson said.

Margret Aldrich, a spokesperson for Little Free Library, a nonprofit based in St. Paul, Minnesota, said it was disappointing that school districts felt a need to post disclaimers but that it was good they had found a solution that enabled the book-sharing program to continue. Aldrich said she wasn’t aware of anything similar in other states.

More:Scams

Recommend

Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says

A man is suing the California Lottery alleging he has not received part of his winnings from a nearl

Teamsters vote to ratify a 5-year labor agreement with Anheuser-Busch, avoiding strike

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Teamsters working for Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch on Tuesday voted to ratify a

Las Vegas’ Bellagio pauses fountain show when rare bird visits

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A visit from a rare, fine-feathered tourist has interrupted one of Las Vegas’ promi