Aiken County, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The Aiken County Public Library is grappling with significant challenges following the loss of grant funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This funding cut endangers the library’s esteemed “Let’s Talk About It” series, which has been enriching community discussions on literature for over 20 years. To mitigate this setback, the library is appealing for community donations of selected classic titles like “The Great Gatsby” and “The Scarlet Letter.” The cuts also raise concerns about future programming and resources available at libraries across the region.

Aiken County is facing significant challenges as the Aiken County Public Library has lost its grant funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This funding loss is directly impacting the library’s longstanding annual program, the Fall book discussion series titled “Let’s Talk About It.” The series, which has been a staple of the library for at least 20 years, has provided engaging discussions on literature, film adaptations, and interactions with scholars and college professors.

As a result of the funding cuts, the library is now seeking community support by accepting donations of specific classic titles to compensate for the gap left by the loss of NEH funding. Key titles in demand include “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and “All the King’s Men” by Robert Penn Warren. The library manager, Jessica Christian, has noted that the impact of funding cuts may not be immediately felt but could become evident within the next six to twelve months.

The recent cuts to NEH funding were communicated through emails sent to all humanities councils. This loss not only affects the Aiken Library but may also have more dire consequences for other libraries within the Aiken Bamberg Barnwell Edgefield (ABBE) Regional Library System, which consists of 13 libraries across four counties. Many of these facilities may not have the same level of endowment support that Aiken enjoys from the Friends of the Aiken County Public Library, potentially leaving them more vulnerable to future budgetary constraints.

In addition to losing vital discussion programs, the overall resources available at the library are at risk. Libraries provide essential services that extend well beyond books, encompassing e-books and audiobooks, all of which require adequate funding to sustain. Jessica Christian has expressed significant concern that if funding is not restored, the library may be forced to cut back on summer reading events in the following year, further limiting community engagement in literary activities.

The NEH funding reductions are part of a broader trend posing challenges to public humanities initiatives in South Carolina. As these programs often rely on such grants, the future of literary and educational programming in public libraries remains uncertain.

Key Impacts of NEH Funding Cuts

• Loss of support for Aiken County Public Library’s “Let’s Talk About It” series.
• Need for community donations of classic literature.
• Potential longer-term impacts on library programs and summer reading events.
• Concerns about the financial health of other regional libraries.
• The reduction in public humanities initiatives across South Carolina.

Conclusion

The Aiken County Public Library is calling on the community for help as it navigates the challenges posed by federal budget cuts. With a commitment to enriching the lives of local residents through literature and discussion, the library hopes to maintain its programs despite these financial obstacles.

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Additional Resources

• The Augusta Press
• WRDW
• Post and Courier
• The New York Times
• The Guardian
• Google Search: Aiken County Public Library
• Wikipedia: Aiken County, South Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• Google News: Aiken County Public Library
• Google Scholar: Aiken County Public Library

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.