April 27, 2011 | Online

Okay to view porn in New York libraries

New York Public Library officials have no problem with you checking out pretty much anything -- as long as it's legal -- on library computers. This means you can visit one of 200 branches and watch hardcore porn if you are so inclined.  They say such material is protected by the First Amendment.

"In deference to the First Amendment protecting freedom of speech, the New York Public Library cannot prevent adult patrons from accessing adult content that is legal," New York Public Library spokeswoman Angela Montefinise said.

"What they're doing is publicly funding an appetite for the most debased fare available," said Catholic League President Bill Donohue. "It's not like a Playboy centerfold anymore - it's far worse." (We always took him for more of a Hustler fan ...)

Daisy Nazario, 60, also expressed concern for the policy, after finding that an old man sitting next to her was watching naughty videos. The privacy shields protected her fragile eyes from seeing the threesome scene, "but I could still hear the voices."

Masturbation in public remains illegal, though New York librarians have reported a marked increase in trouser tents.

Internet Porn at the Library: New Debate About Free Access [NBC New York]

NYC Library Goers Can Look At All The Porn They Like [PC Mag]