In recent months, our organization has pushed back on a campaign, which began in 2022, to censor books in Columbia County libraries. These efforts are often framed as “protecting children,” but in reality, they target award-winning, age-appropriate books that reflect the diverse experiences of growing up, explore identity, and often include LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Some of the books recategorized are simply about human anatomy, puberty, or personal boundaries — written to help kids understand their own bodies in an understandable and factual way. These resources have long supported healthy development and informed parenting. We would also like to note that none of the materials moved or submitted for reconsideration during this period contain pornography or meet the legal definition of obscenity. Any assertion that they do is simply untrue.
Despite the rhetoric, the majority of book challenges in Columbia County haven’t come from parents or guardians of children who use the materials. Most have been submitted by older adults who don’t even use the children’s section, beyond looking for books they want to challenge. One individual even admitted to collecting book challenge forms from friends. Given that declaration, it’s unclear whether all of these challenges came from people with library cards – or even Columbia County residents. This is not a grassroots effort by local families. It’s part of a nationwide coordinated campaign (https://www.edweek.org/leadership/whos-behind-the-escalating-push-to-ban-books-a-new-report-has-answers/2022/09) to restrict access to information and impose one group’s beliefs on an entire public system. Locally, the book challenges have had a clear focus on books with LGBTQ+ content and the phrase “LGBTQ Propaganda” is often used. Let’s be clear, though – books don’t make anyone gay. Books don’t change who someone is. What they can do is help young people feel seen, safe, and less alone—especially those navigating difficult questions in a world that often tells them to be quiet.
It’s also important to clarify who currently holds authority over collection development policy (aka book shelving policy) at Columbia County’s libraries. For now, and for the next six months, that authority lies with the Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library Board. After that, it will shift to the Columbia County Library Board, whose members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. However, current decisions made will have long-lasting effects on access to information in our community. It is important to make your voice heard now.
We all want children to be safe, supported, and encouraged to read. That’s only possible when we value facts, inclusion, and intellectual freedom. Compassion doesn’t mean censorship. It means making sure every child has access to books that reflect the world around them — and that every family can make their own choices without interference. Parents already have the right to guide their own children’s reading. What’s under threat now is everyone else’s right to read, to learn, and to decide for themselves.
Public libraries belong to all of us. This includes members of the community who may not fit neatly into the worldview of many long-time residents who do not like some of the diversity that has come with the County’s recent growth. Defending them means standing up — not just against censorship — but for all members of the community, including those who may only represent a small portion of the population. Their lives and their reality deserve respect and representation.
Respectfully,
Karin Parham
CEO, Freedom To Read Coalition of Columbia County
