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Grovetown library patron urges county not to restrict books, warns of chilling effects
Summary
A Grovetown library patron criticized moves to remove or reclassify library books and urged commissioners to rely on librarians' expertise. The speaker also raised concerns about programming and summer offerings at the library.
Marlena Bergeron of Willow Creek Court addressed Columbia County commissioners during public comment on April 15 to voice concerns about library policy and book reconsideration processes.
Bergeron said the Grovetown Library is a community hub and argued against reclassifying or restricting LGBTQ titles and other materials. She said a recent book that drew attention had been rated for older readers and was located in a graphic-novel section, and she encouraged elected officials to consult librarians before acting. Bergeron warned that attempts to remove or stigmatize books can increase circulation and controversy rather than reduce exposure.
She also said she feared the library's summer programming could suffer and urged the board to preserve dynamic displays and family-friendly offerings. Bergeron framed her comments as a plea to avoid censorship and to base decisions on context and librarian guidance. She closed by asking officials to focus on larger issues such as storm readiness and climate change.
No formal action or staff directives on library policy were recorded during the meeting; Bergeron spoke during the public-comment portion and commissioners did not announce next steps on library policy in this session.
