CAFE Pickens Update

CAFE Pickens Update

Time Range For Action Alert: 
Feb 04 2026 to Feb 23 2026

Major Library Changes Are Moving Fast in Pickens County

Since the January 15 special-called meeting, the new Pickens County Library Board has been moving quickly to revise the Collection Development Policy and the Reconsideration of Materials Policy. The Policy Committee has already met twice—on January 22 and January 28—and one of those meetings was announced with just one day’s public notice. With changes happening fast, it’s important for community members to stay informed and engaged. Agendas for recent and upcoming meetings are posted here as they become available: https://pickenscountylibrarysystem.com/library-board-of-trustees/

These decisions are not final—and public input always matters.

The next Special-Called Board of Trustees Meeting will be held:

Thursday, February 12 at 6:00 PM
Easley Branch Library – Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library
304 Biltmore Road, Easley, SC 29640 

While meeting procedures may vary, the process still matters. Even when outcomes seem likely, community involvement helps document concerns, support trustees who oppose censorship, and make clear that these decisions are being closely watched.

If you are able, please consider:

  • Reaching out to Library Board members to share your concerns. Board members represent the entire county, and the same message may be shared with each trustee (names and contact information below).
  • Attending the meeting to show support for board members who oppose censorship and to demonstrate that the community is paying attention.
  • Sharing this email with 3–4 like-minded friends or family members. With so much happening right now, major changes can easily slip by unnoticed; sharing this information helps ensure these decisions receive the public attention they deserve.

Pickens County Library Board of Trustees 

  • Danny Parton, Chair: papaparton [at] gmail.com
  • Alfred “Hap” Wheeler: wheeler [at] clemson.edu
  • Nancy Miller: nancy_ghc [at] msn.com
  • Alesa Pinkerton: alesapinkerton [at] gmail.com
  • Mark Kilburn: MkilburnPCLSBOT [at] gmail.com 
  • Brian Aiken:  librarybrianaiken [at] gmail.com 

  • Robert Sams: samsroberth [at] gmail.com 

Note: Robert Sams was appointed by County Council to fill the District 5 seat vacated by Henry Wilson’s removal on January 20, 2026.

Meeting Calendar

Pickens County Library System Board of Trustees
Special-called Meeting

Thursday February 12, 2026 6:00pm, Hampton Memorial Library, 304 Biltmore Rd, Easley SC, Click here to view agenda, minutes, and more 

Pickens County Council Special Called Meeting

Tuesday February 17, 2026 6:30pm, County Administration Facility, Main Conference Room, 222 McDaniel Ave, Pickens SC, Click here to view agenda, minutes, and more 

School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees Meeting

Monday February 9, 2026  6:00pm - Special Called

Monday February 23, 2026 6:00pm - Regular

Curtis A. Sidden Administrative Building, 1348 Griffin Mill Road, Easley, SC - Location may vary. Check agenda. Click here to view agenda, minutes, and more