Board member honored for advocacy, support of librarians
From staff reports
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), through its state chapter, the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL), formally recognized and commended Families Against Book Bans (FABB) last month for its ongoing commitment to defending the intellectual freedom of South Carolina students and supporting school librarians on the front lines of censorship challenges.
FABB Board Member Mary Foster was also individually honored with the 2024-2025 SCASL President’s Award for her advocacy work supporting librarians.
Foster receives the President’s Award from South Carolina
Association of School Librarians (SCASL) President Jamie
Gregory. Photo courtesy of Families Against Book Bans
At the 50th SCASL Conference held March 19 through March 21, 2025, in Columbia, FABB was honored for its outstanding efforts to protect the First Amendment rights of all learners. The resolution highlights the organization’s role in standing with South Carolina librarians, advocating for fair instructional materials policies, and empowering families and communities to resist censorship.
The commendation recognizes FABB’s:
• Direct support to librarians across South Carolina in defending intellectual freedom and resisting censorship efforts;
• Ongoing communication with state and district legislators through meetings, testimony, calls, and emails to advocate for the protection of free expression;
• Community outreach through petitions, informational campaigns, book giveaways, and advocacy tools that help individuals take action in their local schools;
• Collaboration with SCASL in engaging state and local education leaders to promote transparent and equitable policies on instructional content.
The AASL emphasized the importance of intellectual freedom as stated in the National School Library Standards, affirming that “intellectual freedom is every learner’s right.” The commendation also references the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which asserts, “Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.”
In response to the commendation, Jamie Gregory, President of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians, said, “Families Against Book Bans has been a powerful and principled partner in our work to ensure that students in South Carolina have access to diverse perspectives and inclusive literature. Their advocacy, resources, and tireless energy have helped amplify the voices of school librarians and community members who are committed to preserving students’ rights to read, learn, and think freely.”
FABB’s recognition by AASL and SCASL comes at a time when schools and libraries across the country are facing a surge in book challenges and censorship attempts. The commendation serves as a reminder of the vital role that families, educators, and advocates play in upholding intellectual freedom and fostering a literate society.
FABB is a grassroots coalition of parents, students, librarians, educators, and community members dedicated to advocating for intellectual freedom, championing educators and librarians, and promoting socially just and public education. FABB was launched in January 2023 to directly oppose the small group of extremists who effectively banned 97 books from the shelves of Beaufort County public schools.
