AUBURN – The Auburn Public Library invites the public to attend a forum on filtering, an informational public meeting to discuss the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the benefits and drawbacks of using Internet filters in public libraries.

The forum and panel discussion will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 20, at the Auburn Public Library.

Panelists will include Ann Davis, director of the Gardiner Public Library and past president of the Maine Library Association; Janet McKenney, circuit rider for the Maine School Library Network and technical education outreach coordinator for the University of Southern Maine; and Edna Comstock, consultant and former electronic services librarian with the Maine State Library.

In December 2000, the act was signed into federal law. It mandates the use of blocking software and filters for public libraries seeking Universal Service discounts (E-rate) for Internet access, Internet services or internal connections, or applying for support through the Library Services and Technology Act, a federal grant program that provides funds for Internet access.

After being signed into law CIPA was challenged. In June 2003, the Supreme Court upheld CIPA, but with modifications. The modifications allow library users who have attained the age of 17 the right to unfiltered access at their own discretion. Access by children remains restricted under CIPA.

The forum is free and open to the public.