South Carolina AG Raises Concerns Over Alleged Inappropriate Materials in Library Children's Section

Wilson sends letter to Charleston County Public Library over reports of sexually explicit content

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has sent a letter to the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) regarding "sexually explicit and age-inappropriate material" that was allegedly found in the children's section of the library. Wilson stated that as both the Attorney General and a parent, he was "deeply troubled" by the reports and that there is no responsibility more important than protecting children.

Why it matters

This issue highlights ongoing debates around the appropriateness of certain materials in public library collections, especially those accessible to minors. It also involves high-profile political figures, including the state's Attorney General and a U.S. Representative, who are running for governor, adding an extra layer of scrutiny and potential political motivations.

The details

Wilson's letter sought to remind the CCPL Board that county libraries should "not offer any books or materials that appeal to the prurient interest of children under the age of seventeen in children's, youth, or teen book sections of libraries and are only made available with explicit parental consent." The letter follows similar actions by U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. CCPL has stated that the items in question, including the book "Big Hard Sex Criminals", were handled according to established policy and were never shelved in the children's section.

  • On February 4, 2026, Attorney General Alan Wilson sent a letter to the Charleston County Public Library.
  • In March 2025, the book "Grandad's Pride" was challenged and moved to the adult section of the CCPL collection.

The players

Alan Wilson

The Attorney General of South Carolina who sent a letter to the Charleston County Public Library regarding alleged inappropriate materials in the children's section.

Charleston County Public Library

The public library system in Charleston, South Carolina that was the recipient of the Attorney General's letter regarding the alleged inappropriate materials.

Nancy Mace

A U.S. Representative who also sent a letter to the Charleston County Public Library accusing it of having lewd material within reach of children.

Pamela Evette

The Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina who took similar actions to the Attorney General and Representative Mace regarding the Charleston County Public Library.

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What they’re saying

“As both Attorney General and as a parent, I was deeply troubled by the reports of sexually explicit and age-inappropriate material in the children's book section of these libraries. There is no responsibility more important than protecting our children.”

— Alan Wilson, Attorney General of South Carolina (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

The Charleston County Public Library System has stated that it will continue to follow its established policies regarding library materials. It remains to be seen if further action will be taken by the Attorney General or other elected officials.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the appropriate content and accessibility of materials in public libraries, especially those intended for children. It also demonstrates how these issues can become politicized, with elected officials taking public stances that may be influenced by their own political ambitions.