Book bans, funding cuts, harassment. Why school libraries are at risk — and more essential than ever
School libraries are essential. K-12 students with access to strong school library programs head into college, career and life with big advantages. Sadly, libraries across South Carolina are facing book bans, funding cuts and employee harassment, making it more important than ever that advocates speak up and defend our libraries and librarians.
School libraries fill in the gap for students in need.
It comes as no surprise that school libraries are a main source of books, especially for children living in a “book desert.” A book desert is a community where it is difficult to purchase or borrow books without driving a significant distance. Almost every county in South Carolina is considered a “book desert,” making the school library a vital source of reading material for our state’s children.
Providing access to books is one of the school librarian’s main priorities. Reading programs, promotions, book displays, community literacy events, summer reading, partnering with public libraries and collaboration with classroom teachers are vital to building lifelong readers.
Nearly 1 in 10 South Carolina households lack a good internet connection at home. To address this need, many school libraries have become the source of technology access. More services and activities have moved online, requiring students to build on media literacy skills to be successful in school and life. The school librarian is the media literacy expert in the building who can integrate these skills into library lessons and classroom collaborations.
School libraries contribute to student success.
Decades of research have shown that a high-quality library program positively impacts student achievement, graduation rates and mastery of academic standards, especially among vulnerable student populations.The library’s high-quality instruction and collaboration with classroom teachers help students understand and practice the content standards.
School library impact studies have been conducted in 24 states, including South Carolina. The South Carolina study confirmed the findings of other studies by showing that having a well-funded, fully staffed school library (with a certified school librarian and assistant) results in higher test scores.
School libraries are also a welcoming, safe place for all students.
The school library serves as a refuge for many students and plays a role in creating a welcoming, safe environment at school. Often the library serves as a calm place within a busy school building. Activities such as collaborative coloring sheets, Lego walls, puzzles, crafting activities and therapy dog visits provide opportunities for students to relax and reset. Because the librarian serves every student in the school for multiple years, the relationships they build with students are valuable.
South Carolina public schools are facing several funding obstacles, including the expiration of temporary COVID-era funds, a loss of funds from corporate tax breaks and the diversion of funds to private schools through vouchers. These realities can translate to cuts to the library program, including reductions of staff and reductions or even elimination of funds for books.
In recent years, school libraries are experiencing a surge in book challenges. Disturbingly, some book challenges are being accompanied by personal attacks on librarians, such as name-calling, social media harassment, accusations of crimes and even threats to physical safety.
The benefits of a robust and effective library program are undeniable. Here’s what South Carolinians can do to keep school libraries strong. Speak up and defend our libraries to ensure that our state’s children have all of the opportunities they deserve. Let your local school and district know how much you value libraries, share a positive story at your local school meeting, send a thank you note to your local school librarian, volunteer in the library or for your school’s PTA/PTO or School Improvement Council, consider speaking at a state school board meeting in support of libraries, and vote for candidates who support public education and libraries.
School libraries need you.
This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Book bans, funding cuts, harassment. Why school libraries are at risk — and more essential than ever."