JONESBORO, Ark. — In response to a federal court decision upholding Arkansas Act 372, the Jonesboro Public Library Board has approved several policy revisions affecting how materials are checked out and reviewed. The changes, intended to align with the law targeting age-appropriate access to library materials, will take effect on Thursday, Sept. 3.
The board convened during a special meeting on Aug. 31 following the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit’s recent decision reversing a lower court injunction that had blocked portions of Act 372.
Key revisions were made to the lending policy, library card eligibility, and the material reconsideration process. Notably, the updated lending policy restricts DVD checkouts to patrons 18 years or older. Previously, minors could borrow R-rated DVDs if accompanied by a parent, but this option has been removed. Additionally, adults are now prohibited from using a child or teen’s library card to check out such materials.
The policy changes also eliminate group library cards, a move library officials say was prompted by Act 372’s requirement to monitor whether borrowed materials are age-appropriate. Library staff noted that fewer than 10 group cards were currently in use, primarily by nursing homes and daycare centers. While these organizations will now need to rely on individual cards, designated staff members will have the ability to override book quantity limits in specific cases. Details on the limits were not finalized during the meeting.
A further update involves the material reconsideration policy, which governs how complaints about library content are resolved. Under the new process, the Jonesboro City Council will have the final authority on such challenges. Previously, the library’s board made final determinations. Complaints will first be examined by the library director and a library committee before being escalated to the City Council.
Jonesboro attorney Donn Mixon, the board’s legal advisor, stated that the adjustments were designed to protect the library from potential legal liability.
Arkansas Act 372, enacted by state lawmakers, aims to provide stricter regulation over library materials and access, particularly for children. The Jonesboro Public Library’s policy changes reflect compliance measures with the court’s recent enforcement of the act.