In NYC watching porn in the library is considered a First Amendment right. While you are looking up an encyclopedia entry or trying to find out information on your next vacation destination the person sitting next to may be deeply engrossed in the most hardcore pornographic content available on the Internet. Obviously, this has inflamed a wide group of individuals.
While the library does provide screen blinders, as a way to protect the sensitivities of your library neighbor, all you have to do is walk behind them to get a look at the content on screen. In addition, in compliance with US law "all libraries that take federal funding only must install filters on publicly used computers to block content containing illegal obscenity and child pornography, and New York City officials say they comply to the letter." Filters are also in place so children cannot access the porn direct, but in reality these filters can be turned off by anyone 17 years of age or older.
To read more:http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/porn_ok_at_city_libraries_hSqZExlZstWZIzeNX47VCM