Greenville County Schools to Resume Hosting Book Fairs

Greenville County Schools to Resume Hosting Book Fairs

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Greenville County Schools (GCSD) is set to bring back book fairs starting in January, ending a pause that began in August. This decision follows new guidelines aimed at ensuring the appropriateness of materials available to students.

According to Tim Waller, the Director of Media Relations for GCSD, the new rules require vendors to sign a form indicating they will follow South Carolina Regulation 43-170. This regulation mandates that vendors provide a list of books that might be included in the fair at least four weeks before the event. This list will be shared with parents and guardians to give them a chance to review what their children might be exposed to.

To participate, students must also present a signed permission slip from their parent or guardian. Waller mentioned that several book vendors have already agreed to comply with this new process, and he expects more will join as the fairs approach.

The background of these new regulations dates back to August 1, 2024, when South Carolina’s State Board of Education passed SC Regulation 43-170. This regulation requires the removal of books from classrooms and libraries that are deemed not “age and developmentally appropriate.” The criteria for this label include references to content that may not align with the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacities of children at various ages.

Waller emphasized the necessity of adhering to these guidelines, stating, “Greenville County Schools finds it necessary to pause all book fairs for this school year while it works with vendors to find a solution that ensures compliance.” As GCSD prepares to resume these events, the focus remains on creating a safe and suitable environment for all students.