York County Public Library makes statement on books some deem explicit or inappropriate for children

A number of childrens books that some residents in York county deem sexually explicit or inappropriate will stay where they are in public libraries. This coming from a statement by the York County Library. The board met Thursday to hear appeals of Linda Fisher of Rock Hill, who along with others have asked the library to move certain books to the adult section. Outside the library, over 70 people showed up with signs on both sides of the issues…The York County Library said they will keep the books where they are and that as a public library they do not serve the same role as School Libraries when it comes to the education of children…The York County library says it’s the responsibility of the parent, not the community, to decide what they want their children to read or to have access to take home.

Full statement here by the YC Library.

The York County Library Board has committed to preserving the integrity and accessibility of its children’s section by opting not to relocate children’s books to the adult section. The Library Board understands a small group of our community members feel there are a few children’s materials that do not represent their family values or feel the materials are inappropriate for the children’s section. After hearing their concerns, the Library’s Board, in collaboration with library staff, the county attorney, and community feedback, has extensively deliberated this matter before the June 8, 2023 board meeting and during executive session of the June 8, 2023 meeting. Following careful consideration, it has been determined that maintaining a dedicated children’s section serves the best interests of our young readers.

The Library Board agrees with the United States Supreme Court Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment that parents have a fundamental right to direct the care, custody, and control of their children. This statement also applies to how parents allow their children to use the public library. When parents sign the library card application for their child(ren), they agree to supervise the child’s use of the library. The signer also agrees to follow all library policies and procedures. The Library Collection Development Policy, section Juvenile Collection states that when it pertains to juvenile fiction books there will be books of imaginative fiction and those which authentically portray a period, incident, or way of life that are selected despite the occasional use of a questionable word or illustration, provided the total impact of the book meets other basic criteria. Juvenile nonfiction is purchased that is accurate, informative, and up-to-date and selected in as wide a range of reading levels and interests as possible. Recommended books for children on sex and reproduction are not excluded because of the subject matter.

The Library Board is committed to fostering a love of reading and supporting the development of young minds within our community while also supporting parental rights. Public libraries are not the same as a school library. Library staff do not serve “in loco parentis” and do not play the same role in the education of children that teachers and media specialists do.  The library provides educational and recreational materials for parents and children. It is the responsibility of the parent, not the community, to decide what they want their children to read or to have access to. It is also the parent’s responsibility to vet the books they are choosing to take home.

The Library Board and staff express gratitude to the community for their valuable feedback and input throughout this process. We are humbled by the passion and dedication exhibited by our patrons in shaping the future of our library. We believe that this decision reflects the values and aspirations of our community that have asked for a balanced library collection that is supportive of all library users.