Are libraries required to test their books for lead?
Yes and no. The testing requirement depends on the printing date. Books printed before 1985 may contain lead in the ink. At this point in time, the CPSC has recommended that libraries wait for further guidance on how to handle their pre-1985 collections.
Current testing recommendations would destroy library collections and XRF testing is recommended only as a screening tool.
Technically, since libraries didn’t manufacture these books, they aren’t the ones responsible for the testing; they just have to know the books don’t contain violative amounts of lead and phthalates. This has been stated in CPSC’s recent 3rd party testing document in response to the ALA’s argument. But for pre-1985 books, the manufacturer (the publisher) is in no position to test the books, having sold all their copies long ago. This puts libraries with pre-1985 books in much the same bind as thrift shops: they can’t sell/check out an item if they don’t know it meets the standards, and they can’t know without testing, and they can’t test without destroying, therefore they have to destroy the item.
Yes, you’re right Wacky Hermit. Thank you for adding clarity.
Is there any provision in the CPSIA that would prevent a parent from checking out a pre-1985 book (or a library from allowing an adult to check it out) and sharing it with their 12-and-under children? Because I would, in a heartbeat. And I’d like to see someone arrest me and throw me in jail, or fine me, for providing BOOKS to my kids. There’s a fun headline for you!
As far as I know, it isn’t illegal (yet) for parents to give non-compliant things to their children, just to sell them or give them away to others. So yes, you could check out a restricted book and give it to your child, just as you could (if you wanted to) buy your teenage son a girlie magazine.
Don’t give Congress any ideas, though, or they’ll make library books illegal for minors to possess, like cigarettes and alcohol.