NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Amid fears that New York City budget cuts could force library closures and layoffs, PIX 11 News Reporter Greg Mocker discovered a library service that may worry parents but could generate big bucks: "erotic" on-demand movies.The films are among hundreds available for free, immediate, unrestricted download on the official library websites (brooklynpubliclibrary.org, nypl.org, queenslibrary.org). All that's required is a library card.
The comedy category is racy too. "Going Greek," for example, is described on the Queens Public Library site as full of "naked scavenger hunt"" and "sorority ass-signings."
Mocker asked library officials about the content of the movies and if they would consider charging for on-demand movies – since it's proven to be a moneymaker for cable companies and hotel chains. The answer was no.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for the New York Public Library said:
"We remain committed to our mission of making our collections free and as accessible to the public as possible. As a public library and non-profit, access to information is always our main focus and priority... The materials in our various collections, including DVDs, are chosen based on a variety of factors, including popularity.
"The titles in question are legitimate feature films, which are exactly what the public is looking for in tough economic times, when paying to see first-run features is not an option. We, as a public library, are not in a position to censor these materials, many of which have significance in their particular cultural context.
"We have strict policies in place to keep children from borrowing any R-rated materials without parental permission, which will keep these materials away from inappropriate audiences."
Last year in the 5 boroughs, library patrons borrowed 38.7 million books and 23.8 million DVDs and CDs. There were 59.6 million visits to the library sites.
GREG WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU! Email him: mocker@tribune.com
