Public libraries can be a place where parents and kids can bond in a safe educational space, but some parents think a racy magazine found at some public libraries just isn't appropriate.
A viewer contacted 13 Action News concerned about a gay lifestyle magazine called "Las Vegas Night Beat" which is available to pick up for free at libraries in Clark County.
The magazine includes advertisements with racy images and the cover of the January issue donned male models without any clothes.
"I'm shocked. It shouldn't be here," said Phillip Castillo who takes his child to the West Las Vegas public library often.
13 Action News found Night Beat at the West Las Vegas public library and the Spring Valley public library. In both cases, the magazine was near other free magazines and publications near the front of the facility.
The publisher of Night Beat declined to be interviewed for this story.
A spokesperson for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District issued the following statement:
"The Library District collects, gathers, and makes available a wide variety of information and we understand that some people may occasionally find these materials offensive or inappropriate. The public library is a First Amendment public institution.
Yes, the Library District is aware of various magazines that are displayed in our lobbies. Our Display Policy, adopted by the Library Board in 1999, allows for free community-based publications that contain news and feature articles relevant to either segments of a district-wide population or to smaller geographic areas within the Library District to be circulated.
The presence of these materials in the Library District is not a form of endorsement. We encourage individuals to form their own opinion about what they choose the read or view. "
