Beaufort, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort will host a community reading event on October 11 at Witness Tree Park, celebrating banned books and advocating for literacy. Organized by local groups, the event features notable speakers reading excerpts from frequently challenged books and original works addressing censorship. Despite a growing trend of book bans in South Carolina, community members are rallying against restrictions, emphasizing the importance of access to literature and freedom of expression.
Beaufort is set to host a significant community reading event on Saturday, October 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Witness Tree Park. Organized by the Pat Conroy Literary Center, the South Carolina chapter of Authors Against Book Bans, and student book club DAYLO, the event celebrates the final day of Banned Books Week.
The reading event will showcase excerpts from frequently challenged and banned books, as well as empowering works advocating for pro-literacy. Participants can also expect original poetry and prose addressing censorship. Notable speakers scheduled for the event include novelist Rebecca Dwight Bruff, poet Tim Conroy, essayist Jonathan Haupt, poet Miho Kinnas, memoirist Carol Lucas, poet Susan Madison, poet Jacquelyn Markham, novelist Valerie Sayers, and DAYLO students. Witness Tree Park is conveniently located across King Street from the Conroy Center at 601 Bladen Street in Beaufort.
Following the reading session, the Conroy Center and DAYLO will host the monthly Silent Book Club Beaufort meet-up from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Amidst this literary celebration, the state of South Carolina is currently grappling with an alarming trend, leading the nation with 22 books banned from all public school classrooms and libraries. Just days ago, on Friday, the Beaufort County Board of Education enacted a decision to restrict nine books in district classrooms based on complaints. This marks the first time the board has acted on book challenges under new state regulations, signaling a pivotal moment for local schools.
Notably, many of the recent bans resulted from complaints made by a Beaufort County parent. The state board previously directed districts to manage new book complaints internally, rather than forwarding them directly to the state board. Under Regulation 43-170, school districts are now mandated to publicly evaluate and vote on any complaints regarding instructional material, permitting parents or guardians to submit up to five complaints per month after attempting to resolve issues with staff.
Of the 22 books banned statewide, at least 14 were challenged by one parent, Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai. Although Szalai no longer has a child enrolled in the district, her earlier challenges are still under review. While the Beaufort County Board had previously maintained that previously reviewed books did not need reassessment, the most recent vote resulted in specific titles being restricted.
Community members, including students and members of Families Against Book Bans, have vocally opposed the recent decision to restrict books. Despite the board’s vote to restrict rather than completely ban the selected titles—allowing access only with parental consent—the decision has sparked controversy. The board approved the action with a vote of 9-2, with members Ingrid Boatright and David Carr dissenting.
Community opposition was evident, with board member Chloe Gordon sharing personal experiences to emphasize the importance of access to literature in understanding critical issues, including sexual violence. Families Against Book Bans expressed gratitude to community members who stood against censorship, although they maintained that restricted access still constitutes a form of censorship.
Szalai expressed mixed feelings regarding the board’s decision, labeling it a bittersweet victory. Seven other titles had previously been removed under an older policy focused on books deemed outdated or rarely checked out. The ongoing discussions over book bans have underscored significant tensions within the Beaufort community regarding censorship and parental rights in education.
In conjunction with this issue, the League of Women Voters of South Carolina recently screened “Banned Together,” a documentary that highlights Beaufort County students’ fight against book bans and their attempts to advocate for their rights. The documentary captures students’ responses to the removal of certain books labeled as inappropriate or pornographic.
FAQ
What is the Let Freedom Read Day event?
The Let Freedom Read Day event is a reading celebration hosted by the Pat Conroy Literary Center, the South Carolina chapter of Authors Against Book Bans, and student book club DAYLO at Witness Tree Park on October 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. It honors the final day of Banned Books Week and includes readings from frequently challenged and banned books.
What has been the recent trend regarding book bans in South Carolina?
Currently, South Carolina leads the nation with 22 books banned from public school classrooms and libraries. The Beaufort County Board of Education recently voted to restrict nine books based on complaints, marking a significant decision regarding book challenges.
What actions have community members taken regarding book censorship?
Community members, including students and Families Against Book Bans, have expressed opposition to banning and restricting books. The recent board decision to restrict the books has ignited discussions about the importance of access to literature and the implications of censorship.
Key Features of the Post
| Event | Date | Location | Key Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Let Freedom Read Day | October 11, 2023 | Witness Tree Park, Beaufort | Rebecca Dwight Bruff, Tim Conroy, Jonathan Haupt, Miho Kinnas, Carol Lucas, Susan Madison, Jacquelyn Markham, Valerie Sayers, DAYLO students |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
ACLU Challenges Book Banning Regulations in South Carolina
DAYLO Advocates for Literacy and Against Book Bans in South Carolina
South Carolina Leads Nation in Book Bans
Beaufort Becomes Leader in US Book Bans
Beaufort County Board Discusses Challenge of Library Books
Beaufort Community Meeting Addresses Challenged Books
Beaufort County to Discuss Challenges on Library Books
Beaufort County School District to Discuss Book Censorship Controversy
Controversy Over Book Bans in Beaufort, South Carolina
Charleston Screening of ‘Banned Together’ Sparks Debate
Additional Resources
- WTOC: 9 Library Books Restricted by Beaufort Board of Education
- Island Packet: Beaufort Education News
- Live 5 News: Banned Together Documentary Features Beaufort Students
- Book Riot: Documentary on Book Banning in Beaufort
- The State: Opinion on Book Bans
- Wikipedia: Book Banning
- Google Search: Book Bans South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Book Banning Documentary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Banning
- Google News: South Carolina Book Bans
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
