New protections are now in place to keep kids from accessing obscene or pornographic websites at local libraries.
New filters were put in place on library computers Tuesday, after county supervisors voted to implement the Children's Internet Protection Act.
The law, enacted in 2000, rewards libraries that implement controls that keep children from accessing porn.
Sherry Gomez, Kern County's new Director of Libraries, pushed for the program after realizing Kern County wasn't participating.
But, while it blocks kids from viewing certain websites, adults can still access them by contacting library staff and requesting that the block be lifted.
We asked Gomez why access isn't restricted to everyone.
"The filter is on all the computers, and the provision is a person 18 and older may request that be unblocked. It has to do with, of course, the First Amendment rights of the public," said Gomez.
Gomez says libraries will save about $16,000 a year. That money will help with costs associated with being part of the San Joaquin Valley library system.
Gomez adds, if someone complains or if a library worker notices a particular website is causing a distraction, the adult viewing it will be asked to close it.
