Resident urges commissioners to enforce Columbia County library collection policy

Karen Parham, a Columbia County resident and frequent library patron, told the Board of Commissioners on April 21 that the county’s library system is not following its own collection development policy and asked the board to intervene.

"The policy is not being applied as written," Parham said, describing three problems she says are evident in the March 31 Library Board record: absence of written rationales at the time of reconsideration decisions; the director’s use of uncertified staff rather than credentialed librarians for reviews; and a September 2024 relocation of more than 40 young‑adult titles that Parham said relied on a parental website rather than professional library sources.

Parham pointed to the placement of the children’s book Amazing You as an example, saying the title — classified professionally for ages 3–7 — was shelved in a section Parham said aligns with ages 8–12 or older. She asked the commission to direct the director to provide written rationales at the time of decisions, to consult certified librarians as defined by state standards, and to bring the collection into compliance with the county’s adopted policy.

In addition to procedural requests, Parham said concerns about staff certification "have direct implications for state funding." She provided a written report with seven specific recommendations and asked commissioners to review staff certifications and job titles.

The board did not take action during the meeting; the request was entered into the public record for future review by the commission and staff. Parham’s full critique appears in the meeting record and was submitted to commissioners as a written attachment.

What happens next: Parham asked the commission to direct staff to follow the library’s written policy and to verify professional credentials on file. The board did not vote on that direction during the April 21 meeting.