When it comes to the latest trends in women's apparel, there's no better place to shop till you drop than Downtown Chucktown. And if you're searching for the finest threads in Beaufort, look no further than Copper Penny - the Lowcountry's go-to shop for anyone that has a passion for fashion.
We have been dressing women in Beaufort for over 34 years and offer upscale designer collections curated with a Southern eye. Here, women from around the United States discover sophisticated, effortless beauty for every season. Whether you're looking for a sassy new dress to impress that special someone or the perfect outfit for your next vacation, your options are endless at Copper Penny.
With easy-to-find locations close to Beaufort's hottest spots, our curated selection of the newest, most popular women's clothing lines reflects the effortless glamour of Beaufort. Whether you're a tidy professional or a fierce trend-setter, our goal is to help you find the perfect look for your own unique style. With designer brands like CK Bradley and Holst & Lee on hand year-round, finding your new look is easy and fun when you visit Copper Penny.
Our clothing lines give ladies a refreshing mix of one-of-a-kind authenticity with real wearability, allowing them to shine with confidence and style all year long. So, go ahead and spoil yourself - you deserve to look like a million bucks!
Diamonds are pretty and all, but honestly? Dresses are a girl's best friend. Dresses are fun, comfortable, and versatile. At Copper Penny, they're also fashionable and cute. We have a huge selection of women's dresses in Beaufort, SC, from stylistic sheath dresses to drop-waist styles that will make your girlfriends jealous.
These dresses are made to fit your waist and then gradually flare out towards the hem. A-line dresses are excellent for minimizing thighs, hips, and midsections while pulling the eyes to your bust. This style of dress is a great fit for almost any body type. There's a reason why so many brides settle on A-Line dresses for their big day! With plenty of varieties, this is a kind of dress that you can wear again and again.
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Like the A-Line style, empire dresses are made to fit through your bust. Rather than creating a distinctly angular shape like the A-Line, the Empire style flows from the bust down. This is another kind of dress that fits many body types. From curvy to apple body shapes, the Empire draws focus to your bust and minimizes everything else. For lovely ladies on the shorter side, this style defines your silhouette, especially if you choose a maxi length dress.
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A throwback to the roaring 20's style flapper dresses, Drop Waist dresses look best on lean, athletic bodies that don't have too many curves in the hip area. The key to pulling off a Drop Waist style dress is to ensure that it's not hugging you. This dress is best worn when it is able to hang freely on your body.
SHOP NOWOnce you know the kind of waist that fits your body type, it's time to find your shape. A few of our most popular dress shapes include:
Any clothing store for women in Beaufort, SC, worth its salt, will have plenty of fit & flare dresses for you to try. This common-shaped dress is one of the most popular on the market, mainly because they look great on every woman, regardless of age or shape. A timeless choice, fit & flare dresses fit through the bodice and flare out just below your hip. This helps develop a balanced, slimming silhouette for most women. If you want to accentuate your best assets and hide everything else, ask our experienced fashionistas to show you some the most popular fit & flare dresses at Copper Penny.
Time to start doing your happy dance! Fit & flare dresses have very balanced proportions, making them a true winner for every body type. Women with athletic builds love this dress for the extra curves. Women with apple-shaped bodies love how fit & flare dresses define their waistlines. Because this dress already looks like an hourglass on the hanger, it will be a natural fit for ladies with such a figure.
Shift dresses are typically rectangular in shape and tend to be comfy and forgiving since they aren't fitted. Also called a column dress, the shift dress is a great choice for polished professionals needing a conservative, fashionable outfit for work.
These dresses look fabulous on women with athletic, lean shapes and women with an apple-like figure. This kind of dress doesn't work well with a belt, so ladies with an hourglass figure may not be able to show off their curves in a shift. Try pairing this dress with a nice pair of heels for a beautiful new look!
Wrap dresses are one of the most popular styles on the market, because they give ladies of most shapes and sizes a flattering, fashionable dress option.
If you have an hourglass, apple, or generally curvy body shape, you're going to love wrap dresses. This style of dress offers a natural waist while placing emphasis on your bust. Wrap dresses give you a balanced silhouette and, with a knee-length fit, are great for any type of color or style, both day and nightwear.
Unless you're feeling extra sassy, chances are you're wearing a top at this very moment. Tops are garments that cover the top half of your body. At Copper Penny, we have an endless selection of tops in a wide range of styles - from basic tees to blouses and everything in between. If you're looking for the highest quality women's tops in Beaufort, SC, you just hit the jackpot!
With that said, finding the right top for the right occasion is easier said than done. However, at Copper Penny, we make finding the right top fun. Whether you're looking for a top that makes a statement or you need a classic button-down for a subdued style, we've got your back. We only carry the most popular tops from the best brands and designers around the world.
Sometimes called broadcloth tops, poplins have classic characteristics and are often woven with an over/under weave. This kind of weave gives more substance to your top while also giving you room to breathe. Poplin shirts are typically soft and smooth, and are great for everyday business attire, some formal occasions, and for certain ceremonies. Sweet and feminine, our Bruna poplin eyelet bib top features ruffles at the sleeves and an eyelet lace yoke at the front. Pair your poplin with your favorite pair of shorts or jeans for a contemporary, relaxed look.
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Great for wearing solo or layered over a camisole or tank top, wrap tops are lightweight, versatile, and great for many different occasions. Wrap tops go well with jeans, maxi dresses, and high-waisted jeans or trousers. Our V-Neck Wrap SLV Top by Jayden is uber-popular at Copper Penny and the perfect choice for dressing down or dressing up. The choice is yours!
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For a dose of feminine fashion, be sure you add an off-the-shoulder top to your everyday wardrobe. A casual, sexy choice, off-the-shoulder tops have unique necklines that cut across your upper arms and chest, leaving your shoulders bare. The result is a flirty flash of skin, which elongates your neck and gives a relaxed, "daytime casual" look. Our Nola off-the-shoulder top pairs perfectly with shorts or even a flowy skirt and is hand-woven in Spain using Jacquard fabric.
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Who doesn't love a good tank top?! Tank tops are lightweight, versatile, and equally great for lounging in the yard or running errands on weekends. Tank tops lend an air of simplicity to your outfit and can be styled in endless ways. Take our Velvet Heart Victory Tank, for instance. This tank is a refreshing update on our classic sleeveless tank top, complete with fray details and a scoop neck. Throw in the fact that it's machine washable, and you have a wardrobe winner.
Shop NowHaving trouble finding the best top for your size and style? As the most trusted women's clothing boutique in Beaufort, SC, Copper Penny has helped women discover new looks in the Lowcountry for more than two decades. We take pride in providing a personalized, boutique experience for our customers. If you have questions, give us a call or swing by one of our locations. We would be happy to give you our professional opinion.
Until then, here's a quick guide you can follow to help you find the right fit for your women's top in Beaufort:
When choosing a women's top for your outfit, you have to consider how comfortable, confident, and beautiful you will feel. The best way to feel your best in an outfit is to make sure it fits correctly. To get started, you'll want to take your measurements. For most women's tops, the best areas to focus on are your hips, waist, and chest.
Hip Measurements: Measuring your hips is fairly easy. Take your measuring tape and use it to wrap around the widest area of your hips.
Waist Measurements: Take your measuring tape and place it at the very top of your hip bone. Wrap it all the way around your body. Try to keep your measuring tape in line with your belly button. For the most accurate measurements, stand up straight and breathe normally.
Chest Measurements: For an accurate chest measurement, take the end of your measuring tape and place it on the fullest area of your bust. From there, wrap the tape around your body, under your armpits, and around the blades of your shoulders. Then, wrap the tape tightly from the back of your body to the front, where you started.
Swing by Copper Penny and ask one of our friendly sales associates to help you out! While you're there, don't forget to check out our huge selection of women's tops in Beaufort, SC.
Looking to take your style to the next level? You can also get in touch with a personal stylist directly from our website. With a personal stylist by your side, you can find stunning looks for specific occasions, using comfortable clothing in your favorite colors and cuts. Copper Penny is your one-stop-shop for fashionable, fun, fabulous designer clothing in Beaufort. But don't take our word for it's come see for yourself!
There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes."Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to ...
There's a moment at Hunting Island State Park as you're biking along the Lagoon Trail—ocean breezes and intoxicating beach vistas playing peekaboo to your left—when the sandy path turns inland and a sign points to Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail. A good idea? Yes.
"Yes," it turns out, sums up the best way to experience Beaufort, South Carolina, and its environs, including Hunting Island. Yes, the path less taken is an excellent idea, as is the sweet tea at Blackstone's Cafe. Spending hours strolling through The Old Point and gazing at historic homes and even older live oaks offers endless enchantment. But with my eyes peeled for rattlers, I was (yes) relieved that the only serpentine thing I discovered was more of the winding trail along old dune ridge lines through a primordial wonderland.
The trail affirms why Hunting Island, a breathtaking 25-minute drive from Beaufort, is South Carolina's most popular state park. With a dozen similar paths and 5 miles of pristine beach, this place leads you back eons in time through an untouched maritime forest with towering pines and ospreys soaring overhead as well as magnolias and saw palmettos tangled with yaupon hollies and wax myrtles in the dense understory. Here you breathe deeper and look more closely. Life slows down, and a sense of awe percolates up.
Take a seat on one of the bench swings at Beaufort's Waterfront Park. Wide and welcoming, they move back and forth in a rhythmic lullaby. You can't help relaxing, especially if you happen to catch a sunset or tune into the soft lapping of the Beaufort River against the floating dock, hearing the jingling clink of pulleys against sailboat masts—a mariner's wind chime.
PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards A slice of the sweet life from Beaufort’s upscale Saltus River Grill. PHOTO: Peter Frank Edwards
Waterfront Park showcases the smart civic planning that makes Beaufort such a delight: The town's best vistas are protected and preserved. There are thoughtful amenities (parking, public bathrooms, an amphitheater, picnic tables, and plenty of green lawn for kids and dogs to play on). Plus it's all conveniently adjacent to an enticing array of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores along Bay Street. What better nightcap than to sit and swing a spell after enjoying grilled scallops or top-notch sushi at Saltus River Grill?
Beaufort is subdued in the best possible way. She has the same deep history and stunning architecture that her nearby sisters, Charleston and Savannah, are celebrated for, but she's fine staying slightly out of the limelight. Wise and mature, Beaufort wears her age like the badge of honor it is. Her Lowcountry aura feels elemental, with more patina and less pomp. Along Short Street at the edge of The Old Point, moss-heaped limbs cradle historic mansions. Beaufort's treescape shouts of grandeur in whatever language oaks speak. Gardens and yards aren't so much manicured as they are magical. It's easy to see why Hollywood frequently comes calling (a stairwell at The Beaufort Inn features posters from major motion pictures filmed here). Longtime resident Pat Conroy was so smitten that he wrote, "When I came to Beaufort I had struck upon a land so beautiful I had to hunt for other words."
Not far from Short Street, the First African Baptist Church, a Gothic Revival gem built by freedmen in 1865, bears witness to Beaufort's African American, Gullah, and Reconstruction-era history. "Robert Smalls was a member here. This document notes his Sunday school attendance and that he put a few cents in the offering plate," says the Rev. Alexander McBride, a jovial former marine and the church's pastor of almost 20 years, pointing to framed, yellowing pages hanging behind the sanctuary. A statue of Smalls, an enslaved crewman who heroically commandeered a Confederate ship and later served as a U.S. Congressman, is less than a mile away at Tabernacle Baptist Church, where a monument to Harriet Tubman is also planned.
Both churches are worthy stops, along with the Penn Center, the first Southern school for formerly enslaved people, across the bridge on St. Helena Island. Each place gives a deeper insight into the region's vibrant and enduring African American and Gullah Geechee culture.
Providing an overview of Beaufort's past, Capt. Henry Brandt of Coastal Expeditions offers a boat tour that cruises through the area's Native American, Spanish, and French history; Union occupation; and a view of Camp Saxton's tabby ruins, where the Emancipation Proclamation was first read in South Carolina—all interspersed with musings on estuary ecosystems and the fecund marvels of pluff mud.
"You don't fully experience Beaufort until you see it from the water," Brandt claims. After watching dolphins curl and glide from the boat's bow and admiring the town's steeples rising in the background, I absolutely believe him.
tabernacle1863.org; 901 Craven Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29901penncenter.com; 16 Penn Center Circle East, St. Helena Island, South Carolina 29920coastalexpeditions.com
Anchorage 1770Boutique hotel in an 18th-century mansion with fine dining at the Ribaut Social Club anchorage1770.com; 1103 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Beaufort InnHistoric main inn plus several cottages clustered around a courtyardbeaufortinn.com; 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Rhett House InnHistoric Greek revival mansion that's been a favorite of movie starsrhetthouseinn.com; 1009 Craven St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Blackstone's CaféClassic diner-like optionsblackstonescafe.com; 205 Scott Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Red Rooster CafeExtensive breakfast menu, whether you like it country, continental, Lowcountry, or Tex Mexfacebook.com; 2045 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29901
Lowcountry Produce KitchenLocally sourced salads and sandwiches and a legendary tomato pielowcountryproduce.com; 302 Carteret St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Chapman's GrocerGrab-and-go items plus beer, wine, and snacksinstagram.com/chapmans_grocer_beaufort; 208 West St, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
PlumsWaterfront dining featuring soups, salads, and sandwichesplumsrestaurant.com; 904 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Saltus River GrillFine dining with fresh local seafood, Southern fare, steaks, sushi, and a well-curated wine list saltusrivergrill.com; 802 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Old Bull TavernGastropub featuring a lively bar scene anda lamb shank that does not disappointoldbulltavern.com; 205 West Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Breakwater Restaurant and BarSeafood, steaks, and seasonal dishes with Southern flairwww.breakwatersc.com; 203 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Paninis on the WaterfrontStone-baked pizzas, paninis, seafood, and pastaswww.paninisonthewaterfront.com; 926 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Cabana22Coastal-chic boutiquecabana22.com; 819 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Chocolate TreeConfections such as fudge, truffles, and peanut brittlefacebook.com; 507 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
The Beaufort Candy ShopClassic candies and sweet treats of every kindfacebook.com; 103 West Street Extension, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906
Lisa Rivers Fine ArtGullah-inspired art, prints, and giftswww.lisariversart.com; 917c Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Cassandra Gillens Art / Gullah Art in De WoodsPaintings, posters, and giftswww.cassandragillensarts.com; 711 Bladen Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29906
Good AuraSustainable clothing and jewelry boutiqueshopgoodaura.com; 221 West Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Monkey's UncleToys, fun, and games for children of all ageswww.monkeysuncletoys.com; 909 Bay Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902
Hunting Island; southcarolinaparks.comSt. Phillips Island; southcarolinaparks.comPat Conroy Literary Center; patconroyliterarycenter.orgCoastal Expeditions; coastalexpeditions.comReconstruction Era National Historic Park; nps.gov/reerSpanish Moss Trail; spanishmosstrail.comCraven Street en route to The Old Point to explore historic neighborhoods
As the Lowcountry continues to grow, more fan-favorite food options are beginning to pop up all over town.Now, Beaufort County residents are about to indulge in delicious Midwestern cuisine and treats like frozen custard, cheese curds and the iconic ButterBurgers from the Culver’s chain restaurant that’s on its way to Bluffton.The City of Bluffton ...
As the Lowcountry continues to grow, more fan-favorite food options are beginning to pop up all over town.
Now, Beaufort County residents are about to indulge in delicious Midwestern cuisine and treats like frozen custard, cheese curds and the iconic ButterBurgers from the Culver’s chain restaurant that’s on its way to Bluffton.
The City of Bluffton Planning Commission approved a brand new Culver’s location to be built between Buckwalter Place Boulevard and Innovation Drive at the roundabout, across the street from Station 300.
While this new location hasn’t broken ground just yet, Bluffton project managers and Culver’s owners are looking forward to seeing what this new restaurant can bring to the community (other than great food).
Another Culver’s location also appears to be in the works for the city of Beaufort and is set to be located at 2338 Boundary Street.
Culver’s is a hybrid drive-through and sit-down chain restaurant that originally began in Sauk City, Wisconsin.
Known for what is referred to as “fast-casual” dining, Culver’s aims to get its customers from the order speaker to the window in under 50 seconds.
Culver’s restaurant chain states on its website that they use fresh beef and white meat chicken from American family farms. With its Wisconsin roots, farm-fresh dairy is used for its custard with cheese coming from Wisconsin farms to ensure fresh food is always served to customers.
With over 900 locations nationwide, Culver’s is known for its creamy custard, fresh chicken and crinkle fries. You can view their full menu here.
There are currently locations in Pooler and Savannah, Georgia.
But that’s not all, it looks like the city of Beaufort is also expected to get not one … but two new Starbucks locations.
That’s right, you can get your pumpkin spice, matcha, cold brews and all things in between soon.
The two locations are:
These projects have been in the works for some time now, especially the location on Lady’s Island, but an updated timeline shows that they are expected to be completed around March of 2026.
Carolina Retail Experts, a Charleston-based retail company, represented Starbucks in helping them secure this new location on Lady’s Island.
While all of these projects are in the early stages of development, check back for updates and progress.
A rare sight was spotted on Cat Island in South Carolina on Wednesday. An alligator was discovered lounging in a frozen pond.BEAUFORT, S.C. – "See you later, alligator!" is often a phrase used in a rhyming scheme to say goodbye to someone in a fun way, but for an alligator in South Carolina, and many across the Deep South, they won’t be leaving their ponds anytime soon.Vi...
A rare sight was spotted on Cat Island in South Carolina on Wednesday. An alligator was discovered lounging in a frozen pond.
BEAUFORT, S.C. – "See you later, alligator!" is often a phrase used in a rhyming scheme to say goodbye to someone in a fun way, but for an alligator in South Carolina, and many across the Deep South, they won’t be leaving their ponds anytime soon.
Video from Cat Island, South Carolina, just outside of Hilton Head, showed an alligator stuck in an icy pond after the South's recent deep freeze, which brought a rare bout of ice and snow.
While the scene may seem worrisome with just the alligator visible above the pond’s icy waterline, experts say the behavior is a completely normal survival strategy.
"When temperatures drop significantly, alligators can enter a state called brumation - similar to hibernation," officials in Beaufort, South Carolina explained. "They slow down their metabolism and become lethargic, allowing them to conserve energy when food is scarce. During a hard freeze, they often stick their snouts above the water to breathe, while the rest of their bodies become immobilized in the icy depths."
(@beaufort.southcarolina / FOX Weather)
DEMISE OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGE KANGAROOS LIKELY NOT CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE, STUDY SUGGEST
The National Weather Service office in nearby Charleston, South Carolina, reported that 2-4 inches of snow fell over the region, with temperatures dropping to the mid-20s.
A typical winter day across the region usually sees highs around 60 degrees, with lows dropping into the upper 40s.
When the mercury falls to these levels, the reptiles’ biological processes begin to kick in until sunny days with temperatures in the 70s return.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, alligators in colder climates are inactive from October to March, as brumation processes take over.
The reptiles can survive an entire year without food and, under certain circumstances, can live much longer without hunting for prey.
Lakes and swamps from Texas through Louisiana and the Carolinas are rarely covered by ice, but it does occasionally happen during colder winters.
(FOX Weather)
FISHERMAN CHARGED AT BY ALLIGATOR FROM SOUTH CAROLINA POND
Despite similar scenes in other states, wildlife organizations have not reported coming across any distressed alligators but do report tending to the needs of other animals such as manatees and sea turtles, who also need warmer weather.
"So, if you happen to see one of our cold-blooded friends frozen in time, don’t worry! They’re just taking a break until the sun warms things up," South Carolina officials said.
Due to the climate and terrain, it's estimated there are only around 100,000 alligators in Palmetto State, with more than 10 times the amount existing in Florida and Louisiana.
Federal grants are critical in the support and growth of local governments, nonprofits, schools, housing, transportation and more in Beaufort County.President Donald Trump created uncertainty across the nation on Tuesday, Jan. 28, after he signed an executive order supposedly pausing all federal grant funding.This was then blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and rescinded on ...
Federal grants are critical in the support and growth of local governments, nonprofits, schools, housing, transportation and more in Beaufort County.
President Donald Trump created uncertainty across the nation on Tuesday, Jan. 28, after he signed an executive order supposedly pausing all federal grant funding.
This was then blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and rescinded on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Despite all the headlines, mass confusion and legal challenges this decision brought, The Island Packet found it important to outline what federal grants Beaufort County receives and what some of the top awards are.
Since Trump’s executive order has been rescinded, federal grants and funding will continue to stay in place.
Here is a rundown of the top 10 federal grants awarded to Beaufort County, according to USASpending.gov. This website tracks how much money the government is obligated or promises to spend and the current outlaid, or amount paid so far.
Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services
Obligated Amount: $52,049,034
Outlay Amount: $27,091,925.37
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $44,749,524.47
Outlay Amount: $28,729,029.34
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $33,884,315.36
Outlay Amount: $0.00
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $33,606,225.86
Outlay Amount: $20,445,667.71
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $30,074,425
Outlay Amount: Amount not yet available
Obligated Amount: $18,912,922
Outlay Amount: $2,767,363
Beaufort County Memorial Hospital
Obligated Amount: $17,997,000
Outlay Amount: $9,976,908.68
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $15,000,000
Outlay Amount: Amount not yet available
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $14,478,315.62
Outlay Amount: $10,331,012.25
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $13,090,567.23
Outlay Amount: $8,165,619.04
The Beaufort County School District also receives federal funding to support its students, programs and teachers. The following list includes the top five funded programs in the Beaufort County School System.
Every Student Succeeds Act (Includes Title I, II, III, IV): These federal grants govern elementary and secondary education in America. It covers the improvement of programming, teacher training, language instruction and other financial aid needs. The price breakdown is as follows:
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA): These grants ensure special education and related services are accessible to children and support early intervention services for infants and toddlers. This goes to both preschool and all other schools in Beaufort County. The price breakdown is as follows:
Magnet Schools Assistance Program: These grants provide eligible education agencies to establish and operate magnet schools. BCSD receives $2,363,534 for these programs.
American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund: These grants provide local educational agencies with emergency relief funds. The BCSD receives $50,976,622 for these funds.
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief for Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act: This act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, and provides additional funds for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. BCSD receives $22,681,781 in these funds.
BCSD also receives funding for Adult Education. These grants fund local programs of adult education and literacy services such as GED and English as a Second Language. Beaufort County receives $691,874 to fund these programs.
For a comprehensive list of all the federal, state, along with other public and private grants awarded specifically to the Beaufort County School District, you can visit their special revenue and grants webpage.
This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
Book bans have been a popular topic in recent news articles and on social media platforms. But what even is a book ban and how do they work?Different facilities approach book bans in their own way to uphold certain standards and protocols when addressing these concerns.Here’s what happens and what to know if a book ban takes place in Beaufort County locations.Books often go through periods of being banned and then being unbanned based on the discretion of a review committee, typically at either the state or local l...
Book bans have been a popular topic in recent news articles and on social media platforms. But what even is a book ban and how do they work?
Different facilities approach book bans in their own way to uphold certain standards and protocols when addressing these concerns.
Here’s what happens and what to know if a book ban takes place in Beaufort County locations.
Books often go through periods of being banned and then being unbanned based on the discretion of a review committee, typically at either the state or local level.
If a concerned person wants to have a book removed, formally referred to as “challenge the book,” they must first read the book in its entirety and fill out a challenge form explaining why, how and citing where in the book there is offensive wording or another issue.
Most challenges happen at public libraries or schools.
Once the challenge form has been submitted, a review committee analyzes all the material within the complaint and casts a vote determining whether or not to keep the book on the shelves.
Depending on the nature of the challenge and the final decision of the review committee, book bans can come in different forms.
When books do get banned, they can range from only a few to hundreds of copies no longer available at a library or school district.
Here are the most common kinds of bans, according to PEN America:
Beaufort County School District
The Beaufort County School District outlines its policy regarding book bans in its Administrative Regulation IS-38.1.
The Beaufort County School District states that they uphold the principle of intellectual freedom, promote academic freedom, the student’s right to read and the fair and reasonable competition of ideas and information.
BCSD officials are not permitted to remove any book from a school library but the district administrators have the right to institute an Administrative Review Committee to conduct a review if deemed appropriate.
When challenging a book, any student, employee, parent or legal guardian has the right to challenge a book. Once the challenge is submitted, the BCSD review committee will analyze the complaint and decide within 15 business days of the challenge being filed.
Decision Process
If the committee recommends any changes regarding access to the material in question, such as the addition or removal of the material, the Superintendent is responsible for implementing and communicating those changes.
If anyone who files a challenge would like to appeal their request after a final decision is made by the BCSD, they must do so within seven days to the Board of Education. Parents and guardians do have the option for certain materials not to be available to their specific child and can do so by submitting the “Request to Opt-Out of School Library Materials Form,” available on the BCSD website.
For information regarding the status of any district library materials currently under review, you can visit their webpage.
Beaufort County Libraries
The Beaufort County Libraries operate differently from Beaufort County schools.
Libraries are tasked with the responsibility to provide materials and information to meet the needs and interests of the public they serve.
The Beaufort County Libraries are thorough and thoughtful and take on each removal request carefully.
According to their website and library managers, The Beaufort County Library firmly endorses the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read Statement, the Freedom to View Statement and the American Library Association Code of Ethics.
Collection development in each library is carried out under the guidance of established policies based on the needs of user groups, service objectives, collection specifications and current selection needs. The choice of whether to read library materials is entirely an individual and confidential matter.
If a library member wants the library to reconsider any material they have, they must also go through a challenge request called a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form.
This form is available at all Beaufort County Library locations.
Library staff members review the completed reconsideration request and then give it to the branch manager, who will then contact the library director.
The director will appoint a committee of at least three staff members and/or area specialists to evaluate the material. The committee will examine the material in question and will determine whether the item in question meets the criteria to stay or be removed from the library’s collection within 30 business days.
The title under reconsideration will remain available for circulation while under review.
If anyone who files a challenge would like to appeal their request after a final decision is made, they can do so by writing to the Library Board of Trustees within 10 business days of the decision.
It’s important to note that for both Beaufort County Schools and Beaufort County Libraries, a challenge report must be filled out in its entirety with all required information to be taken under proper consideration.
Bookstores
Since bookstores are private and independently owned businesses, it is up to the discretion of the business owner what is placed on their shelves.
In most cases, bookstores are not the biggest supporters of banning books and in many cases, you will see titles of these books displayed on the shelves.
This also holds true for bigger bookstore chain locations like Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.
“We are a private business, it is up to the discretion of the parent, guardian or yourself if you want to read that book,” said Bruce Page, owner of The Beaufort Bookstore.
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. She has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Originally from Georgia, Anna Claire studied journalism, legal studies and English at High Point University, where she graduated in 2024. For tips and story ideas, email amiller@islandpacket.com or call (843) 626-0211.
