We are a group of artists from the Western Pennsylvania Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Please visit www.WPaSCBWI.com
We are a group of artists from the Western Pennsylvania Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Please visit www.WPaSCBWI.com
Has anyone heard about the new child product safety law? This is an issue that’s been bugging me since it became the law of the land as part of the stimulus package.
As I understand it, any children’s book published before 1984 is now contraband, because the ink it was printed with may have contained lead (no evidence exists that a pre-1984 book has harmed a child, but that hasn’t deterred our intellectual betters in Congress). To sell, buy or even lend one of these books is to risk a fine of $250,000 and/or prison time.
This effectively means that ALL old children’s books—the legacy of our author/illustrator forebears—must be destroyed, according to the law.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting Carnegie Library’s beautiful collection of old and rare children’s books on the third floor. I don’t know what will become of that treasure now.
There will be a rally in Washington April 1st; apparently we can be a part of it via the web. More information is to be had here: http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2009/03/cpsia-rally-and-censorship.html
This is a bipartisan effort to change this law. No matter what your political persuasion, please consider making your voice heard about banning children’s books.
Thanks for your time.
John