What is Freedom to Read Week?
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. This annual awareness initiative is led by Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and the Ontario Library Association in partnership with the Book and Periodical Council.
What is intellectual freedom?
Intellectual freedom is the right to access information and ideas from all points of view without restrictions. At the core of intellectual freedom is the trust that people have the ability to assess and analyse information and make informed decisions. In Canada, our intellectual freedom rights are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
How does censorship impact books?
Throughout history, every instance of a censorship attempt begins the same way; it starts from the position that a book is too dangerous for the public to read. Whether it is the author’s choice of language, uncomfortable historical facts, or content considered mature for young readers, requests for censorship are triggered by the opinion that the content should be removed, and access be restricted.
This year’s Freedom to Read Week theme focuses on a lock and key metaphor. While it is rare for books to be outright banned, it is frequent and all too common for books to removed, restricted, relabelled, or relocated—making them difficult to access. This also is a form of censorship.
Defending intellectual freedom
Some of the strongest defenders of intellectual freedom are writers. Writers are artists that use their stories and words to shine a light in the dark, amplify stories and explore the boundaries of imagination. When you think of defenders of Intellectual Freedom, who immediately comes to mind?
Margaret Atwood
Judy Blume
Ray Bradbury
Lawrence Hill
Lois Lowry
Toni Morrison
Salman Rushdie
Art Spiegelman
Angie Thomas
These writers, and many more, defend intellectual freedom and our rights to explore all ideas.
Get inspired to unlock your Freedom to Read
Here are a few quotes from famous writers defending our individual and collective intellectual freedom.
“Books are for everyone.
Am I not important?
Am I invisible?
Books make us think.
Books make us imagine.
Books make us compassionate.
Books make us creative.
Books make us love.
You have banned important books, but you can't
ban my words. Books are for
EVERYONE.”
Aya Khalil, The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale
Read and explore more
This Freedom to Read Week, explore a book by one of these authors or a book that challenges your thinking. You can find reading recommendations by Halifax Public Libraries staff here in our Freedom to Read collection; and a selection of 40 Banned Books You Can Read Today.
Additional Resources
Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries, Canadian Federation of Library Associations
Section 2(b) –Freedom of Expression, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Library Challenges Database, Centre for Free Expression, Toronto Metropolitan University
Challenged Works, Freedom to Read Canada
Intellectual Freedom Challenges reports, the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB)
Add a comment to: Authors on Censorship and The Freedom to Read