Iowa- Iowa libraries would be required to block computer access to pornographic Web sites and to restrict children from checking out R-rated movies under legislation proposed by three Republican state senators.

Libraries that don’t install computer filters would be prohibited from receiving state aid. The measures are aimed at protecting children from being exposed to sexually explicit material, said the bill’s sponsors.

“Libraries should be safe havens where children go to learn,” said Sen. Jeff Angelo [pictured] of Creston.

Librarians say they are concerned about children as well, but they believe policies governing libraries should be set at the community level.

Said Susan Craig, director of the Iowa City Public Library, “It is important that people have access to the Internet and all of the information that it has.”

Twenty-one states currently have Internet filtering laws applying to public schools or libaries.