School libraries and public libraries are essential to learning, community life, and the freedom to read in South Carolina. They provide students, families, and residents of all ages with access to books, information, and ideas—free from censorship and political interference.
At a time when both school and public libraries are facing growing pressure to remove books, visible community support matters more than ever. There are many ways to stand up for school libraries and public libraries.
Stand Up for the Freedom to Read
-
Take the Pledge to Support SC Libraries to show your support for readers and libraries across South Carolina.
-
Stay informed about book challenges in schools and public libraries.
-
Share accurate information about the First Amendment and the role of libraries with friends and neighbors.
Your support helps ensure libraries can serve their communities without fear or intimidation.
Support Your Local School and Public Libraries
-
Visit your public library and use its services. Circulation and program attendance matter.
-
Engage with your child’s school library and support its role in education.
-
Thank librarians, media specialists, and library staff for their work.
-
Support Friends of the Library groups, school library advocates, and library foundations when possible.
Strong community engagement strengthens libraries when important decisions are being made.
Showing up matters. When school boards or library boards meet, public comment is often where the future of access to books is decided. Attending meetings, speaking in support of the freedom to read, and urging leaders to follow the law and established review policies make a real difference. You don’t need to be an expert; your voice counts.
Defending libraries also means standing with the people who run them. School librarians, teachers, and public librarians are trained professionals who deserve trust, not harassment or political interference. Supporting fair, transparent review processes protects both readers and the institutions that serve them.
This work is stronger when we act together. By joining Freedom to Read SC, responding quickly when book challenges arise, and staying connected through action alerts and social media, you help build a statewide network ready to defend school and public libraries across South Carolina.
When books are removed from school or public libraries, students lose learning opportunities, communities lose access to information, and democratic values are weakened.