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Citizens urge Randolph County to reinstate library trustees and protect book access
Summary
Multiple speakers urged the commissioners to reinstate the former Randolph County library board of trustees and to preserve public access to books, saying dismissals and challenges threaten intellectual freedom and community representation; the board did not take immediate action on reinstatement at this meeting.
Several community members addressed the board during public comment to defend the former Randolph County library trustees and to urge protections for broad access to library materials.
Joseph Betthany, a former state poet laureate, said students benefit from democratic access to literature and warned against restricting materials that help young people develop critical thinking. "We must keep them safe by permitting them democratic access to literature and the freedom to read," Betthany said.
Susan Scott said the former trustees were "wrongfully dismissed," described them as respected professionals, and presented a petition of more than 500 citizens who support reinstatement. She said library trustees should serve the whole community and that limiting books about some community members amounts to discrimination.
Carl Hicks asked that the board choose trustees who reflect and serve all of Randolph County and urged adherence to policies and guidelines.
The board did not take immediate action to reinstate the former trustees during the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged public concern and the petition but did not amend or reverse the prior dismissal on the record.
Next steps: Commissioners may address library-board appointments at a future meeting; no formal vote or reinstatement occurred during this session.
