At the request of library trustees, Greenville County (S.C.) Library Director Philip Ritter tendered his resignation at a February 28 board meeting. The action came two weeks after county commissioners unseated four incumbent library trustees over their opposition to the installation of filters despite widespread media coverage claiming that male patrons frequented sexually explicit Web sites and chat rooms at the library. Board Chairman David Suddeth said in the February 29 Columbia State that Ritter’s response to the media onslaught “played into our asking for his resignation.”
In December, presidential candidate John McCain blasted GCL officials for offering unfiltered service. An Associated Press story at the time quoted Ritter as replying, “The parent is the one responsible for the child. The parent is the one who is the ultimate judge and guide for what they have access to.” He declined to comment after the meeting.
Ritter will serve in an advisory capacity until his resignation takes effect April 28. Coordinator of Main Library Services Norman Belk has become interim director.
Posted March 6, 2000.