Internet filters on public library computers will be discussed Thursday, May 20, at a Public Library forum.

Panelists from the Maine Library Association, the Maine School Library Network and the Maine State Library will discuss the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. The panel discussion will be hosted by WCSH-TV Channel 6 reporter Chris Facchini.

The act was signed into law in December 2000. It requires libraries seeking federal grants to use blocking software and filters on public computers. The U.S. Supreme Court modified the act in June 2003 to allow library users who are 17 and older to have unfiltered Internet access. Access by children remains restricted under the federal law.

The forum is free and open to the public.

– Scott Taylor
Lewiston: Party-switch deadline looms

Voters have until Monday to change their party affiliations if they hope to vote in the June 8 primary election.

Registered voters not enrolled in any of Maine’s three political parties – Republican, Democrat or Green – will be allowed to join a party right up until the primary election. Switching parties is not allowed after May 24, however, according to the secretary of state’s office.

Registered voters not enrolled in a political party will be able to vote on the state referendum ballot only. The sole question on that ballot asks voters if they want the state to pay 55 percent of public education costs in order to shift the burden from property taxes.

In Lewiston, absentee ballots are available at the City Clerk’s office for both the candidate primary and the referendum. For more information, contact the clerk’s office at 784-2956, ext. 214.

– Scott Taylor
Lewiston: Culture center seeks new role

Public library officials want help figuring out a new role for a cultural learning center.

Library trustees, employees and city officials are hosting a forum to discuss the future of the Lewiston Public Library from 8 a.m. to noon Friday at the Muskie Archives on the Bates College Campus.

Work on the library’s $2.7 million renovation began last month. The renovation would give the library a second-floor historical records’ archive and a third-floor meeting and performance space with room for 150 people. That space, called the Cultural Learning Center, will house historical business documents and records from early Lewiston.

Officials are seeking help from community organizations to design public programs that would focus on the city’s cultural heritage.

– Scott Taylor

Greene: Rapid Renewal available to locals

Rapid Renewal, an Internet service that allows people to pay their local excise taxes and renew their vehicle registrations online, is now available to Greene residents.

Rapid Renewal works like any commercial online shopping service. To get started, go to the town of Greene Web site, www.townofgreene.net, and click on the Rapid Renewal logo. Or go to the secretary of state’s Web site, www.SOSonline.org, and select Rapid Renewal. Step-by-step instructions will help residents renew their vehicle registrations online.

People will need their vehicle registration, proof of insurance, mileage and checkbook. Electronic checks are accepted. Once they complete their online renewal application, they may print a confirmation page as verification of the transaction. People will receive their new registration form and license plate decals in the mail within seven business days.

People who need more information can contact Carol Buzzell at the Greene Town Office at 946-5146 or by e-mail: [email protected].