We sent the following public comment to the Charleston County Council on December 17 regarding appointments to the Charleston County Public Library Board of Trustees. Our Observer Corps volunteers were instrumental in helping us understand the dynamics of the current board of trustees, and the importance of appointing professional trustees who are dedicated to the library's mission and who aim to adhere to good governance standards.

To the Members of Charleston County Council:

The League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area is a non-partisan organization committed to encouraging informed and active participation in our government. We have many dedicated volunteers that help us fulfill our mission, including members of our Observer Corps, who attend local government meetings to follow progress on local issues and ensure government entities are acting transparently and adhering to good governance standards.

For the past few years, we have had Observer Corps volunteers attending the CCPL Board of Trustees meetings. Our volunteers, like the LWVCA itself, believe the CCPL provides incredible value for Charleston residents, with branches that serve as learning hubs and gathering spaces in our communities. We applaud the professional staff that operates the libraries and the Board of Trustees for its thoughtful oversight. 

In the past few months, our observers have noted with concern that narrowly-focused censorship advocates (both on and off of the Board itself) are attempting to disrupt and micromanage the mission-based work of the professional staff. As part of the Freedom to Read Coalition, we believe all Charlestonians should have the right to read freely and access information. As you make appointments to the CCPL Board, we urge you to continue to consider the professional qualifications of appointees, and their ability to provide oversight without leaning into political distractions. 

We ask that you continue to safeguard the ability of our public library system to provide our community with robust services and learning opportunities, free from censorship and focused on fulfilling its mission to “connect our diverse community to information, foster lifelong learning, and enrich lives.”

We would be happy to have further conversations to elaborate on our observations or concerns if you would find that helpful. 

Thank you,

Cara Erickson, Co-President, LWV Charleston Area

Jeri Cabot, Co-President, LWV Charleston Area

Shayna Howell, VP Issues and Action, LWV Charleston Area