MORNING NEWSBREAK | A proposed Charleston County Republican Party resolution to restrict books for children is the focus of a change.org petition started this week by national advocacy group Defense of Democracy. The resolution seeks to restrict content that can be accessed by people under the age of 18 at Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) locations.
“As CCPL is a tax-funded public entity, it should not be guided, influenced, or coerced by any singular political party or community group,” the petition says. “The public library is here to serve all of us.”
Officials with the Republican Party, including party Chair Andrew Boucher, did not respond to requests for comment.
The proposed resolution, read aloud to the CCPL board of trustees at its August meeting by Mount Pleasant resident Carol Robertson, claims county libraries make “obscene or harmful” content “easily accessible” to children. But the petition says all material goes through a rigorous and publicized process before it hits the shelves.
The petition, which garnered more than 1,500 signatures as of this morning, asserts CCPL librarians are degreed professionals and that public libraries offer diverse and well-rounded curated collections of materials for all ages. It adds that it is the right and responsibility of parents to guide their children’s reading choices.
Earlier this year, state lawmakers added a temporary law into the state budget that requires county libraries to certify to the state library that their children’s section does not contain any books that have sexual material.
In other recent headlines:
CP NEWS: Charleston wins when local businesses grow, advocates say. Charleston entrepreneurs face rising costs, competition for commercial property and are often small players up against corporate interests. Plus, COVID-era rules introduced all new kinds of business challenges.
Resurfacing project to bring major road improvements across Charleston County. Charleston County leaders have officially initiated the County Transportation Committee’s 2023 Resurfacing Plan B project.
Educational group hosts forum ahead of Charleston County school board election. A community-based research organization hosted a public forum Wednesday night regarding the upcoming Charleston County School Board elections.
City leaders work to solve waste overflow in West Ashley. Charleston city leaders and the Charleston Water System are working to solve repeated issues with waste overflow in one West Ashley neighborhood.
Law preventing Sullivan’s Island residents from protecting his home from rising marsh water. Sullivan’s Island is urged to reconsider the town’s limits on erosion control structures.
State lawmakers call for investigation of Charleston County housing authority’s listing of 30 houses. The Charleston County Housing and Redevelopment Authority said it needs the money for other priorities.
Charleston County schools confirm cybersecurity breach. The Charleston County School District confirmed “unknown actors” breached its system and acquired data, according to an Aug. 19 statement.
West Ashley seafood staple Capt. Don’s closes. Opened in 1977 in a former West Ashley gas station, Capt. Don’s Seafood has closed its doors on Savannah Highway.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
