Your kids could now be banned from entering the local libraries and bookstores. Well, a new federal law, taking effect next month, could ban every kid under the age of 12 from getting into libraries or bookstores.

Yes, taking effect in February, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and the Congressionally-mandated law asks for the testing of all children’s products, including books for toxic lead. The law requires libraries to check children's books for potential health hazards.

Thus, the law may force the kids to stay away from the libraries and bookstores, until they are free of toxic lead and plastic. The law aims to protect kids from tainted plastic material and toxic lead.

However, the librarians and bookstore keepers feel that the law is unbelievable, ridiculous, and cumbersome. Expressing opinion on the law, Assistant Library Director Ned Himmel said, "It's truly a case of unforeseen consequences. It seems so unbelievable that we'd have to close off children's rooms. We consider our libraries a healthy place and good for children."

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed by Congress in August. The Act aims to protect kids from exposure to lead and plastic.