📚 Since this petition was launched two years ago, we’ve seen troubling and intentional changes that threaten the integrity, inclusivity, and freedom of our public libraries in York County.
The York County Council voted to shrink the library board from 10 to 7 members, eliminating at-large seats and forcing off members who were redistricted into new areas—many of whom had been strong advocates for our libraries and community. This cleared the path for the Council to appoint new members with extreme political affiliations, most of whom are either leaders in the York County GOP or their spouses. These individuals were chosen over qualified, unbiased community applicants.
Under this new leadership, the environment shifted significantly. Several remaining board members who supported inclusive and community-focused policies ultimately resigned. As a result, six of the seven current library board members are affiliated with the YC GOP, with only one member remaining who represents the broader community and supports the values of our public libraries.
Most concerningly, on June 9, the Library Board Policy Committee chair proposed a policy modeled after the Greenville County Library System, which relocates books referencing transgender people, gender identity, or gender nonconformity from the children’s and young adult sections into the adult section. This is a form of censorship targeting LGBTQ+ youth. It’s also important to note that Greenville County is currently being sued by the ACLU and ACLU of South Carolina for this discriminatory policy—litigation that could cost taxpayers significantly.
📢 It’s time for the community to speak up:
✅ Here's how you can help:
Email the York County Library Board (board@yclibrary.org) and County Council members (council@yorkcountygov.com) — urge them to protect inclusive access and oppose censorship.
Call your County Council representative — let them hear your voice directly.
Attend upcoming Library Board and County Council meetings — your presence matters.
Speak during public comment periods — even a short statement makes a big impact.
Share this petition and updates on social media — spread the word and grow the movement.
Our libraries must remain places of learning, inclusion, and access for all people—especially young readers looking to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. These decisions belong in the hands of professional librarians, not political appointees with narrow agendas.
Please stand with us to protect York County’s libraries from censorship.
📚 Join the Support YC Libraries Facebook Group to stay in the loop.