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Sumter County commissioners debate Book Page removal and First Amendment as Bill of Rights proposal advances
Summary
The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners spent a lengthy portion of its Nov. 11 meeting weighing whether a recent request to remove Book Page magazine from public racks amounted to censorship, and how that request squares with a proposed resolution declaring the county a ‘Bill of Rights County.’
The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners spent an extended portion of its Nov. 11 meeting examining a recent request that the Friends of the Library remove copies of Book Page magazine from public racks.
Commissioner Butterfield apologized for supporting the earlier informal consensus and framed the issue as a First Amendment concern, saying the county should not appear to censor material: “If we are to be a Bill of Rights County, we must uphold the Constitution for all of our citizens, whether we agree with them or not.” He urged the board to reverse the effect of its prior request and restore full access to the magazine.
Other commissioners said the board’s intent was not to ban material but to protect children from age‑inappropriate items placed in open racks. Commissioner Belladillo said the Friends voluntarily canceled the subscription after the board’s request and suggested that, going forward, the magazine be available only in the Friends’ designated space or an adults‑only location within library branches.
County administrator Bradley Arnold told the board the Friends have a favorable relationship with the library system, noting that the Friends’ spaces at two branches are distinct and that the county could convey that the board appreciates their response and that renewing the subscription in the Friends’ space would be acceptable.
Commissioners asked staff to draft a clarifying letter thanking the Friends for responding and to reiterate the board’s support for First Amendment protections while expressing the county’s interest in protecting minors. The board did not take formal regulatory action during the meeting but directed staff to follow up with a communication to the Friends of the Library and to discuss the companion Bill of Rights County resolution later in the week.
The exchange occurred during board member reports and drew multiple elected officials into a debate about local standards and free‑speech protections. The board said it wants to balance parental guidance and library access: options discussed included moving the magazine to the Friends’ area or an adult‑materials section, and improving communications so the intent behind the earlier request is clear.
The matter will be followed up by staff; no formal ordinance or policy change was voted at this meeting.
