The recent discussion at the Brookings County Commission meeting regarding the Brookings Public Library highlights a fundamental tension between fiscal oversight and intellectual freedom. While the commission’s desire for formal representation on the library board is a reasonable request for an entity contributing $25,000 in taxpayer funds, the conversation took a concerning turn when Commissioner Doug Post shifted the focus toward the content of library materials.
Commissioner Post’s assertion that some youth-oriented materials “border on the obscene” and represent an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars is a familiar refrain in the modern “culture war” landscape. However, it is a perspective that risks undermining the very institution the county is helping to fund. A public library’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of information and viewpoints to a diverse community. It is not the role of local government to curate collections based on personal standards of “appropriateness.”
The county’s $25,000 commitment is vital; it ensures that rural residents can access the library without individual fees, fostering a more informed and connected county. However, funding should not be used as a lever for censorship. When the commission discusses “representation,” it should be framed through the lens of transparency and administrative accountability—ensuring that county dollars are managed effectively and that the library remains a robust resource for all residents.
If the county moves forward with a formal request for an ex-officio seat on the library board, the objective must remain clear: to strengthen the partnership between the city and county and to provide a “voice” for rural patrons. That voice should advocate for growth, accessibility, and community engagement. It should not be used to litigate the library’s collection or to impose a restrictive filter on the materials available to our youth. The strength of the Brookings Public Library lies in its commitment to intellectual freedom; the county’s support should aim to protect that freedom, not diminish it.
Your vote is your voice — don’t give it away
On June 2, area residents will have the opportunity to exercise the most fundamental power in our democratic system: the right to vote.
The stakes in this upcoming election are deeply personal. Voters will determine the future of the Brookings School Board — a decision that directly shapes the lives and education of our children. Additionally, Republican voters must decide who will represent their party in November, a critical choice that dictates who carries our local interests to the halls of Pierre.
It is a common mistake to think that skipping an election is simply “sitting one out.” In reality, when you choose not to vote, you aren’t just staying silent — you are actively handing your power to someone else. That “someone else” may not share your values, your priorities, or your vision for this community.
This is especially true at the local level, where the margin of victory can be razor-thin. In these races, every single vote truly counts.
For many around the world, the right to vote is a hard-won prize achieved through immense struggle. We are fortunate to live in a country where this freedom is guaranteed, but we must be careful never to take it for granted. At its core, voting is a tool — our primary mechanism for holding officials accountable and the most direct way to influence the systems that govern our daily lives.
Voting is not a civic chore; it is a civic right. Your vote is your voice. Don’t miss this opportunity to be heard loud and clear. This is your chance to make a difference — don’t let it go to waste.
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