I recieved this today in a homeschool newsletter. I have not researched it as much as I need to. I encourage everyone to do thier own research and then contact thier local government.
Effective February 10th, in the United States, the sale of
all children's books (books intended for children ages 12 and
under) is to be PROHIBITED. Every single book printed prior
to the ruling is affected, whether new or used. New books in
production are required to include a "lead-free" certification
and will be the only books that are legal to offer for sale......
Clothing, toys and books -- even CDs and DVDs are included in the
ruling. Thrift stores will no longer be able to accept or process
anything (including clothing) that would be intended for a child.
No more library sales. Libraries will not be permitted to give
away or sell book donations. It is unsure yet, however, how
the libraries' shelves themselves will be impacted (theruling
doesn't explicitly mention "loaning" books, just selling or
giving them away). The key word, however, is "distribution" --
libraries may well be required to destroy books from their shelves. So what can you do to help save your local used bookstore that
sells children's books? Or that homeschool curriculum business?
Or your EBay business selling children's items?
5) Spread the word! Forward this article. Send an email. Write
about this on your blog. Tell others about this issue and
encourage them to do the same.
PM or email me for the complete newsletter.
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"Do the best that you can where you are, and be kind." by Scott Nearing
I am looking for more information on this and the only thing I find is a ban on toys with phthalates which is used in some soft bath books for infants.
I haven't heard anything about this and I work at a libray. I did go on the American Library Associations site and haven't found any info yet.
I did find an article about banning lead based paints on children's toy and other harmful chemical, but nothing about books. Here is the link http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/e...SIA/index.html
Lead paint in toys is serious stuff for small children. I get that. What I don't see is how that would apply to books and clothing. I wouldn't think that those would have lead.
I did find more information on it. There isn't a lot on the net so I calling my governer today. This law passed in August. We have until next week to amend it. As of the 6th there were three congressmen who were against it. Please call your congressman/woman or govener.
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"Do the best that you can where you are, and be kind." by Scott Nearing
I have been doing some searching also. The new law applies to all products sold that are meant for children (12 & under) as far as I can see. The CPSC does have some flexability in interpretation, but it does apply to products produced before the law was put in effect also. This were the resale industry is concerned. The law does not force resale outlets to mandetory testing, but they cannot sell (and or give away, donate, etc.) anything meant for a child 12 or under unless they can prove it meets the new standards. Although it will be hard to enforce I think your neighbor yard sale would be subject to the same regulation.
This is not necessarily a bad law (we all want to protect our children), but a poorly thought out one. I am not sure legislators actually considered the far reaching consequences in their rush to "protect" our children from harmful cheimcals.
If anyone learns more let us know.
Contacting your legislators would be a good idea and let them your feelings on this law.
This is absolutely mind boggling! Surely they will see the error of their plan & rework the whole resale thing concerning books. That would be devestating! And not just because I am a bookaholic. Last year our town library lost about 90 % of its children books & it had a real struggle to replenish. It still has a lot of donated books that have not been put in the system yet. Think about how difficult & costly it would be to get all new books for ALL libraries! Yikes.
