We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Columbia County libraries, strongly oppose any decision to withdraw our public libraries from the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS).

Leaving the state library system would result in:

• Loss of State Funding: Columbia County libraries currently receive vital financial support through GPLS. Exiting the system will force the County to cover all costs independently, dramatically increasing the local financial burden.
• Reduced Services and Access: Statewide access to digital resources, interlibrary loans, and professional development opportunities for staff would be lost. This means fewer books, fewer programs, and fewer services for our community—especially for children, seniors, and low-income families.
• Higher Costs for Taxpayers: With no state support, Columbia County would need to utilize additional county resources by possibly raising taxes or cut other services to maintain even a reduced version of our current library offerings.
• No Tangible Benefit: There is no clear, practical, or financial advantage to leaving GPLS. The proposed move serves no public interest.

If the motivation behind this decision is to remove or restrict access to certain materials, we remind County officials that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects intellectual freedom and access to information. Efforts to censor books must still comply with the law and the values of an informed and free society.

Our public libraries are pillars of education, literacy, and democracy. We urge you to keep Columbia County libraries within the Georgia Public Library Service and protect the resources our community depends on.