Watch CBS News

Lowell Limits Library Time For Level 3 Sex Offenders

LOWELL (CBS/AP) -- The Lowell City Council has passed a law that prohibits some registered sex offenders from the city library at times when children are more likely to be there.

The ordinance passed unanimously Tuesday bars Level 3 sex offenders from going into the library from 2 to 6 p.m. on weekdays during the school year and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays during summer vacation.

Level 3 sex offenders are also barred from the library on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports.

Podcast

Level 3 sex offenders are considered the most likely to re-offend.

Violators face banishment and a fine of up to $300.

Lowell City Councilor Rodney Elliot told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that he had actually pushed for something more restrictive.

"In my opinion, these are Level 3 sex offenders," said Elliot. "They just shouldn't be in the library where we know that we're gonna have many children doing their homework and researching and using the computer."

Elliot said the current measure was approved because it's more likely to survive any potential legal challenge.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.