Book bans, attacks on libraries should alarm everyone

The book challenges that are taking place in our counties, schools, state and nation should alarm anyone who cares about protecting intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights. Having groups of people targeting books and libraries simply because of conflicts with their personal beliefs should cause all citizens to consider where these actions could lead. Even though book challenges have always been around, censorship is insidious.

The library system is an integral part of the social infrastructure. Libraries are there for people when other support systems fail. The idea that our leaders are protecting children from some amorphous threat is absurd. Children and parents are lying awake at night because of library books. Young people are dealing with violence, food insecurity, and mental health issues. S.C. schools are failing, and many S.C. families are losing their Medicaid benefits.

There is this notion that people can simply be removed, but banning a book doesn't allow one to erase history or remove people. Book challenges divide people. It is important for all children to see themselves and their families represented in media.

Parents have the right to decide what they want their children to read, but no one has the right to decide what someone else's children should read. Groups like Moms For Liberty, which continue to attack librarians, are a vocal minority. That is why is it important for people who value our libraries and education to speak out against book bans. Once a right is taken away, it is harder to get back.

Marie Griffin

Spartanburg

Retiring county Clerk of Court lauds spirit of public service

It has been such an honor to have been involved in public service in Greenville County for the past 38 years. I

never dreamed when I started that I would stay this long.

I appreciate very much the citizens of our community giving me the opportunity to serve first on Greenville County

Council for 15 years and then as Clerk of Court for the past 23 years. What a special opportunity I have had to work with people across the county in special-purpose and tax districts, municipalities, as well as county government. We are fortunate to have great people in public service, many of whom I have been able to work with and have gotten to know personally.

I believe our community is what it is today because of men and women who have answered the call to public service. I have been so blessed over the years to have a seat and witness people working together for the common good of our community. Many areas of the country would love to have what we have here in Greenville.

As I retire, I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds. I have a grateful heart for the time that I was given to serve.

Paul B. Wickensimer

Greenville

The writer retired from Greenville County government on June 30.