Greenville Library Moves Transgender-Themed Books to Adult Section

On Monday, the Greenville County Library Board of Trustees voted to move all books with transgender themes or characters from the young adult section to the adult section. This decision is a revision to the library’s collection development and maintenance policy.

Report on the Vote and Policy Revision

The board voted 8-3 to relocate books portraying characters who transition from “a gender that corresponds to their biological sex to a different sex” from the young adult section – targeted towards ages 13 to 17 – to the adult section. This includes books with themes or illustrations that “celebrate, portray or affirm gender transitioning whether the changes are social or physical”.

Allan Hill, chairman of the library board, articulated that the revision is oriented towards ensuring “truth in advertising”. Hill emphasized the library’s goal to make the juvenile section “safe for you to let your kids read”. He argued that as long as younger readers stick to their designated section, there should be no materials that are unsafe for them.

Previous Decisions and Legislative Context

Back in February, the same board decided to relocate children’s materials with transgender themes to the parenting section. Now, no books with transgender characters or themes will be within reach for those under 17, unless they have the all-access library card, available only with the consent of parents or legal guardians.

Marcia Moston, chair of the library’s materials committee, justified the policy revision as “keeping in set” with House Bill 4624. This law, passed earlier this year, prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from receiving gender reassignment surgery or any forms of puberty blockers or hormone therapies. Interestingly, the bill does not mention libraries or library books. Enthusing the move, Moston asked, “Since there is a law, why would we be promoting or providing material that is contrary to the law?”

Controversy and Criticism

Joe Poore, one of the board members who voted against the decision, called the policy as written “patently discriminatory”. Poore argued that issues related to graphic sexuality have already been addressed, calling attention to the library’s responsibility.

Another opposition vote came from Brian Aufmuth, who suggested that a First Amendment lawyer be consulted to ensure the new policy does not infringe on free speech rights. This motion, however, failed to pass.

Concern Over Censorship

This decision rekindles concerns over censorship, as both the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom have expressed concerns over such practices. Assertions made by Freedom in Libraries Advocacy Group representative, Stephen Shelato, have also outlined distaste for the decision.

The board’s decision has sparked a considerable debate among Greenville residents, reflecting the persistent cultural war affecting the library milieu.