Library Board in Rock Hill Faces Backlash Over Youth Book Acquisition Policies

Rock Hill: Library Board Faces Controversy Over Youth Book Purchases

Rock Hill, SC – The York County Library Board of Trustees has found itself in hot water over recent decisions regarding purchases for its youth collections. Last week’s decision to halt all book acquisitions for children’s literature has raised eyebrows and sparked significant public concern.

What Happened?

On October 10, the board voted narrowly, 4-3, on a motion that included a moratorium on purchasing books for anyone aged 17 years or younger. Following this meeting, board chairwoman Anne Witte declared to the public that children’s book purchases were being discontinued. This statement quickly spread across social media platforms, causing confusion among parents and community members.

Why the Concern?

The board reconvened a special meeting on October 16, where tensions ran high. Some members voiced strong disapproval of Witte’s earlier statement, prompting calls for her to be censured. On this occasion, the board clarified that the intent behind the October 10 vote was to halt the acquisition of books containing sexually explicit content, following guidance from a June proviso issued by the General Assembly. However, the original announcement suggested a broader ban, leading to fears that countless valuable children’s books could be eliminated.

Who is Involved?

Board member Wendi Michael spoke out about her distress regarding the situation, stating, “I feel like I’m being gaslit.” Her comments reflect the uncertainty surrounding the board’s motives and the implications of their decisions. Another board member, Tim Steele, defended the original motion, asserting that it specifically targeted sexually explicit materials rather than a complete halt on all children’s literature.

Board Dynamics and Decisions

The lack of clarity has underscored deeper issues within the board itself, as highlighted by the absence of audio recordings from the October 10 meeting. Instead, the minutes were handwritten by two notetakers, which raises questions about the accuracy and completeness of the board’s internal documentation. This has unfortunately allowed misinterpretations of their actions to flourish.

Community Reactions

The controversy has sparked a larger debate among York County residents regarding what constitutes appropriate reading material for children. Many parents, along with local officials, have been rallying for a more transparent process regarding book availability in schools and public libraries. Notably, the York County library system allocates nearly one-third of its annual budget—around $177,000—to juvenile materials including children’s and young adult books.

Broader Legislative Context

Adding to the complexity, public school libraries in South Carolina have aligned with new state regulations since August 1, which require schools to evaluate the age-appropriateness of their materials. The new rules underline the need to remove any content deemed inappropriate based on the state’s obscenity laws. However, definitions of “age and developmentally appropriate” content remain vague, leaving room for interpretation and potential censorship.

Looking Ahead

In light of the ongoing confusion, the board has decided to implement new measures going forward. They appointed Carol Herring as the official board secretary and agreed that all future public statements regarding board actions will require prior approval. Additionally, there are plans to record meetings and make these recordings available online to ensure transparency.

This situation in Rock Hill highlights the challenges faced by libraries in navigating content regulations while balancing community expectations. As the board seeks guidance from the state Attorney General, the outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of youth literature in York County.