Greenville County Schools Pause Book Fairs Amid New Regulations
In Greenville County, a significant change is happening in local schools as officials announce that book fairs will be “paused” for the current school year. This decision comes after a new state regulation was introduced, requiring schools to remove books that are not deemed “age and developmentally appropriate” from classrooms and school libraries.
According to district officials, the pause will give the academics team time to collaborate with schools and book fair vendors. They aim to find ways to ensure that book fairs can continue in the future. Tim Waller, a spokesperson for Greenville County Schools, explained, “The logistics of book fairs involve large containers of books and other material being delivered to schools, set out, packed up, picked up, restocked, and sent to the next school on a short turnaround time.” He noted that it is challenging for school staff to review all book content once it arrives.
Book fairs, often organized by Scholastic or the local bookstore M. Judson Booksellers, have been an essential fundraising tool that also promotes reading among students. Waller emphasized the value of these events, saying they play a crucial role in engaging parents and the community in support of literacy initiatives.
Compliance with New State Regulations
With the new rule, schools have been urged to explore other options such as online book fairs or book clubs during this period of compliance. The South Carolina Board of Education passed a regulation banning books that contain descriptions or visual depictions of “sexual conduct” for children of any age. A representative from the state education department commended local districts for being attentive to these changes.
While some see this regulation as a necessary step toward ensuring age-appropriate materials, others argue that it could lead to an increase in book bans. The local chapter of the ACLU has criticized the regulation as overly broad, suggesting it may empower groups opposed to academic freedom to initiate more book-banning efforts.
As the Greenville County Schools adapt to these new requirements, they promise to keep parents and the community informed about any future events and alternative ways to promote reading within schools.
