Greenville County Council will consider a resolution at its Nov. 1 meeting to remove any material ‘promoting sexuality’ from the children’s section of all county libraries, according to the county council’s latest agenda. .
The resolution is not an LGBTQ+ book ban by name, but it would move children’s books with LGBTQ+ themes from the children’s sections of all county libraries to the adult sections.
The resolution, introduced by council member Joe Dill, is the culmination of months of controversy surrounding LGBTQ+ material in county libraries. It would only require one reading and one vote to pass.
Earlier this month, LGBTQ+ residents and allies filled county council chambers to voice their support for children’s books with LGBTQ+ themes.
This outpouring of support is the result of the Greenville County Republican Party urging the council in September to take action against LGBTQ+ children’s books, calling for them to be moved to the adult section of the library.
Previous report:Some Want LGBTQ Themes Hidden From Greenville Kids, But Advocates Speak Out
The controversy began in June when LGBTQ+ Pride Month displays were removed from the Anderson Road County Library branch, sparking outcry from some residents. The displays were later replaced, but the debate over LGBTQ+ materials continued.
At its most recent meeting, the Greenville County Library Board continued the debate on LGBTQ+ materials, ultimately prompting its operations committee to draft a policy that will guide the library system toward “neutrality” on issues. controversial themes, including LGBTQ+ materials. No new policies had been announced by the council by the time the county council’s Nov. 1 agenda was released on Oct. 28.
Check back for more on this developing story.
−Tim Carlin covers county government, growth and development for The Greenville News. Follow him on Twitter @timcarlin_and contact him at TCarlin@gannett.com. You can support his work by subscribing to The Greenville News at greenvillenews.com/subscribe.