Resident urges vote on library guidelines; commissioners approve regional library director appointment

A Columbia County resident used the public‑comment period on April 1 to criticize recently proposed library guidelines and urge the board to take a public vote. Marlena Bergeron, of 2545 Willow Creek Court, said the guidelines are “too nebulous” and asked commissioners to “Put your Columbia County Library guidelines to a vote.” She described missing and removed titles and expressed concern about proposed restrictions and their effect on access.

Bergeron referenced state legislative activity, saying she had contacted librarians across Georgia about S.B. 74 and urged local officials to avoid policies that she said would “criminalize librarians” or restrict access. She said the library provides broad community services, including technology help and programs, and called the library “the spirit and soul of democracy.”

Later in the meeting the board approved an employment agreement to appoint Amanda Hamm as director of the Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library System. A commissioner noted the regional director is a state‑level position funded by state money and that the regional system selects its director; the county’s action was described as a conduit to approve the agreement.

Commissioners also issued proclamations recognizing April as Native Plant Month and Safe Digging Month; representatives from the Georgia Native Plant Society and the Augusta River Region chapter spoke briefly about plant rescues and outreach. Hope Marshall from the utility coordinating group was on hand for the 811 proclamation encouraging safe digging practices.

The appointment of Amanda Hamm and the proclamations were approved by motion and second.