Booksology Such policies are the antithesis of public libraries that are funded, accessible, free and welcoming, funded and accessible to everyone in the community.
The proposed update to the teen policy reads as follows:
Updated to the proposed child policy reads as follows:
Literary Activities
You can use positive tips and tools for the fight against news you can use and activities like censorship and other books!
Dennis Getter, chairman of the Library Board’s Policy Committee, thought Greenville’s discriminatory policies had created a great template for York County, and he called it “great.” During the meeting, he suggested that the library consider implementing Utah Parents Unity/Mary in the library. The rating system was not created, maintained or implemented by professional library workers or educators, nor was it created by members of the “custody” movement. It undermines the work, knowledge and expertise of the highly professional librarians employed in York County.
The Greenville County Library was sued by four minor parents in late March and was supported by both the South Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Federal American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Another South Carolina library, Pickens Public Library, tried to pass on similar anti-trans and gender policies in late March for collections that people under the age of 18 can access. They were warned by the ACLU prior to their vote that such policies would be at risk for similar litigation. The leader of the Pickens County Public Library has chosen not to pursue policy.
The York County Library knows what is proposed is dangerous. They were told this more than two years ago in May 2023 when representatives from the ACLU in South Carolina spoke to the board during public comments.
“We’ve been working hard to get into the world,” said Paul Bauers, Director of Communications for ACLU in South Carolina. “We have already notified Greenville County through a federal lawsuit that the same language policy discriminating against LGBTQ library users is discriminatory and unconstitutional. Currently, some York County leaders want to go the same path.
Last year, the York County Library created a proposal heading to end purchase materials for collections published for readers under the age of 18. It came as a response to a state budget clause that requires public libraries to ensure that public libraries do not contain “sexual content.” What was unravelled was a disruption to board policies, including the lack of meeting record keeping.
Changes to the York County Library Board over the past few years include reducing the number of potential representatives. Six of the seven board members are affiliated with Republicans in York County.
“We are extremely disappointed by the recent discussion of the YCL Policy Committee on relocating age-appropriate, diverse and inclusive books from the sections for children and young adults. Our libraries need to reflect the full diversity of York County. “Decisions on how books are on the shelf should be made by trained professional librarians, not by politicians or policy committees. Librarians have the expertise to curate collections that cater to the educational and developmental needs of all readers.”
The proposed changes to York County Library Collection Policy put them firmly in the position of potential litigation, especially as the language is copied and pasted from the Greenville language. It makes clear that the library’s goal is not to serve the entire community either. The goal is to lean into partisan politics at the expense of all young people living in the community. Explicitly That they do not belong.
“This proposal is not only discriminatory, but also places a serious legal and financial risk on our county. By rejecting this harmful, myopic proposal, we urge the board to maintain the value of inclusion, intellectual freedom and financial responsibility,” the Support York County Library added.
Around Heraldthe costs of the litigation arising from such proposals are from York County Library Insurance. This means that in some way, taxpayers will step in.
The Support York County Library has compiled a petition requesting the committee reject this new policy that anyone can sign. You can follow their work and participate through their website.
The York County Library Policy Committee will meet again on Tuesday, June 24th. It will take place at 1pm at Lake Wiley branch. Contact the York County Board of Directors by email and keep an eye on our web page for the latest information on meeting times and locations.
