New Rule Restricts Books on Public Library Shelves in South Carolina
Columbia, SC—A newly implemented mandate across the state of South Carolina now restricts the types of books that can be housed on the shelves of public libraries. Libraries that fail to comply with this mandate risk losing their state funding, a resource that many libraries depend on for their survival.
A Controversial Proviso
The temporary rule, also referred to as a proviso, mandates that county libraries verify with the State Library that books and materials located in their children’s sections do not contain any content that is deemed to appeal to the prurient interests of kids under the age of thirteen. Such interest is described under state law as “a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion and is reflective of an arousal of lewd and lascivious desires and thoughts”.
Republican Senator Josh Kimbrell, one of the rule’s sponsors, stated his intentions: “We’re not saying that a library can’t buy a book that we don’t like or we think that is somehow not appropriate for kids. We’re just saying that a parent needs to be involved.” The rule allows children to access the books in question, but only with explicit parental permission.
Kimbrell further elaborated, ”We do think that giving essentially pornographic, explicit, or sexually suggestive materials to minors without mom and dad knowing about it is inappropriate, and that should be inappropriate in all 46 counties in the state.”
The Libraries’ Response
However, library leaders believe the restriction addresses a non-existent issue. “We already have policies in place that address these very concerns,” said Angela Craig, President of the South Carolina Library Association and Executive Director of the Charleston County Public Library.
She argued that this statewide rule undermines the control that local entities have over their library policies. Those policies are set by the local library board, whose members are selected by county councils. This rule, according to Craig, potentially sends a conflicting message to public library directors and presents a major concern for tax-funded entities.
Preparing for Implementation
With the new ruling now operational and tied to state library funding, the State Library requires county libraries to sign a compliance form, ensuring their adherence to a Collection Development Policy approved by their local public library board. Libraries also must provide a form for individuals who wish the library to reconsider the availability of certain materials and a policy indicating when a child can obtain a library card without parental consent.
The State Library, caught in a difficult predicament, will seek counsel from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office on how to adhere to this new requirement. The proviso will remain in place for the next year as a temporary state budget law, with the State Legislature either renewing it in 2025 to extend its operation or enacting a permanent law.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
