York County Library Board Votes on Children’s Book Purchases Amid Content Controversy
York County, SC – A heated debate erupted during a recent meeting of the York County Library Board regarding the purchase of children’s books containing what some consider sexual content. The board ultimately voted 4-3 on Wednesday in favor of placing an indefinite moratorium on buying any books for minors that are deemed inappropriate.
What Happened
The controversy began following a public statement released by board Chairwoman Anne Witte on October 11. In her statement, Witte indicated that the board had decided to halt the purchase of all materials for children, not just those with potential sexual content. This assertion raised eyebrows among board members who quickly pointed out that the statement was misleading, as it suggested a complete cessation of buying children’s books.
Board Members’ Reactions
During the meeting, members expressed frustration with Witte’s announcement. Board members Tim Steele and Carol Herring criticized the chairwoman for overstepping her authority. Herring proposed a motion to retract Witte’s statement and to formally censure her for the confusion it caused. However, the board ultimately did not pursue disciplinary action against Witte.
Steele commented that the false information had caused “unnecessary confusion and consternation” among library patrons. He suggested that moving forward, statements should only be made with the consensus of the full board or after the official minutes have been approved.
Need for Clarity
The decision to establish a moratorium on certain purchases came partly in response to ongoing discussions about guidelines proposed by S.C. Sen. Josh Kimbrell. His suggestion requires public libraries to certify that they will not provide any materials appealing to a “prurient” interest for children under 13 to receive funding. The term “prurient” is defined under South Carolina law as having a “shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion.”
Before making a final decision on the moratorium, the York County Library Board also expressed a desire to wait for an opinion from the S.C. Attorney General that could offer clearer guidance on the matter.
Historical Context
This discussion is not new for the library board. The issue originally surfaced in May 2023 when York County Councilman Tom Audette requested a review of children’s books due to concerns about their content. Initially, many library patrons had urged that such books be relocated from the children’s section to the adult section. Ultimately, the board decided to keep the original listings.
Further complicating matters, the county council voted to reduce the number of library board members from ten to seven, which resulted in the removal of several members. This restructuring has led to additional scrutiny and controversy surrounding the board’s decisions.
Public Response
During the public comments section of Wednesday’s meeting, speakers voiced a range of opinions. One individual suggested that the library intentionally displays controversial books at children’s eye level to attract their attention. Another parent expressed concern that if the library removes books considered to have sexual content, essential educational materials on biology and health would also be restricted, impacting homeschool classes.
Conclusion
The York County Library Board’s decision represents a significant moment in an ongoing discussion about children’s literature, parental control, and the role of public libraries in serving community needs. As the board awaits further clarity from state law and legal interpretations, the community remains divided on the appropriate handling of children’s materials involving sensitive topics.
