The debate regarding childrens’ books and CPSIA continues to be an albatross around the neck of booksellers everywhere.  According to the Wichita Eagle, a Nebraska congressman has introduced a bill (last Monday) that would exempt books from the toxic law.  He also has a position statement on books and CPSIA his official website.  While he’s clearly speaking in the interests of libraries, it seems the implications would extend to used book stores as well.

For those who don’t know, CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, and while the bill has good intentions – it seeks to protect children from harmful materials – it is a great example of the pitfalls of populist, reactionary legislation, bearing little forethought in the mad rush to pass a bill to appease current public sentiment and outcry.