Library book may lead to contempt charges

LEWISTON – A Maine woman says she’d rather go to jail than turn over a library book she deems “dangerous.” And she may get her chance later this week.

A judge has ordered JoAn Karkos of Lewiston to turn over by week’s end the borrowed book titled “It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health.”

After appearing in court Wednesday, Karkos repeated her contention that the book violates the city’s obscenity ordinance, and she said she has no intention of giving up the book.

The book features frank but cartoonlike illustrations on topics that include abstinence, masturbation and sexually transmitted diseases. Karkos has until 4 p.m. today to return the book. If she doesn’t, she could be found in contempt of court.