Skip to main navigation Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to search
Skip to content
Hours & Location, opens an overlay Help Help, opens an overlay
Hours & LocationsHours & Locations, collapsed
See all locations
HelpHelp, collapsed
  • Account & Catalogue Help
  • Borrowing Basics
  • Contact Us
  • Website Feedback
Admin AdminAdmin, collapsed
Log In / My Account
  • Log In / Register
  • My Library Dashboard
  • My Borrowing
  • Checked Out
  • On Hold
  • Borrowing History
  • Fees
  • ILL Requests
  • My Collections
  • For Later Shelf
  • Completed Shelf
  • In Progress Shelf
  • Lists
  • My Events
  • My Profile
  • My Settings
Halifax Public Libraries
Main navigation What's On
Open search form
Search
Search the
by
for
    Saved Searches Advanced Search

    Search

    by
    for
      Saved Searches Advanced Search
      • Catalogue
      • BrowseBrowse, collapsed

        Browse

        By Audience

        • Adults
        • Teens
        • Kids

        Reading Lists & More

        • Staff Picks
        • What's New
        • Award Winners
        • Best Sellers
        • Items in Your Language
        • Beyond Books

        Explore

        • 2SLGBTQIA+
        • African Heritage & Culture
        • Art & Craft
        • Climate Action
        • Food & Cooking
        • View More...
      • E-LibraryE-Library, collapsed

        E-Library

        Read & Stream

        • e-Books
        • Magazines & Newspapers
        • Movies & Music
        • Accessible Items

        Resources

        • CBC Corner
        • LinkedIn Learning
        • OverDrive
        • PressReader
        • View More...

        By Subject

        • Arts & Literature
        • Government Information
        • Health & Wellness
        • Local & Family History
        • Science, Environment & Technology
        • View More...
      • What's OnWhat's On, collapsed

        What's On

        View

        • Adults
        • Teens
        • Kids
        • Preschoolers
        • View More...

        Reading & Language Learning

        • English Language Learning
        • English Conversation Groups
        • Kid's Reading Support
        • Adult Literacy

        Special Events

        • Asian Heritage Month
        • Authors & Special Guests
        • Honouring Pride
        • Music & Performances
        • National Indigenous History Month
      • Using the LibraryUsing the Library, collapsed

        Using the Library

        Membership

        • Get a Card
        • Borrowing Basics
        • Other Ways to Borrow

        Technology

        • WiFi
        • Technology Help
        • Public Computers & Devices
        • Book a Computer
        • Printing

        Library Spaces

        • Use of Space
        • Book a Space
        • Art Displays
        • Tours
        • Lou Duggan Creative Studio
        • Media Studio

        Support For

        • Accessibility
        • Newcomers
        • Local & Family History
        • Business & Careers
      • Supporting the LibrarySupporting the Library, collapsed

        Supporting the Library

        Donate

        • Ways to Give
        • Make an Online Donation
        • Donate Books and Items

        Volunteer

        • Current Opportunities

        Shop

        • Library Store
      • HALIFAX Blogs
      • DidYouKnow
      15
      Feb 2024

      Categories

      • View all cards in Adults
      • View all cards in Kids
      • View all cards in Social Issues
      • View all cards in Teens
      • View all cards in Writers & Writing

      Similar Posts for You

      • Freedom to Read Initiatives We Love

        Feb 20, 2024

      • The Freedom to Read What We Want: How Glorious is That!

        Sep 29, 2023

      • Mouths Open: On 2SLGBTQIA+ Censorship

        Sep 5, 2023

      • Freedom To Read Week 2023 Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Banned and Challenged Books

        Feb 23, 2023

      • #FreedomToRead Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Banned and Challenged Books

        Feb 24, 2022

      Exploring The World and Reading Free: Children, Teens and Public Libraries

      by DidYouKnowFebruary 15, 2024


      Written by Erin, Collection Development Librarian

      There is a famous quote about libraries by Jo Godwin that I love: A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone.

      But what about when it comes to children and teens?

      Public Libraries are defenders of intellectual freedom. We provide access to a wide range of information, viewpoints, and discussions. We believe that being able to freely access a variety of stories, voices, perspectives, and opinions helps create an empathetic, curious, and informed community. And while it is important for people of all ages to have access to this diversity of ideas and information, it may be especially important for children and teens. 

      Children and teens are still learning about the world around them, as well as the world within them – who they are at their core, their likes and dislikes, what makes their heart sing, and what inspires them. They are trying to make sense of their feelings, their family, their community, and the world. Public libraries are where children and teens can freely access a wide variety of information and ideas that will help them grow and learn, as well as build empathy and broaden their perspectives.

      Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors

      In the 1990s, Rudine Sims Bishop, an expert in multicultural children’s literature, introduced the idea of books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Books can act as mirrors, allowing the reader to see themselves reflected back, showing that they are not alone and that they are important. Or books can act as windows and sliding doors, letting the reader experience the world in a way they never have before, helping them grow and see beyond themselves. This is why it is so important to have books by and about diverse voices, and for children and teens to have free access to these stories.

      Who Decides What Children Can Read

      Sometimes people are concerned about the books and resources that are in a library, particularly when it comes to school and public libraries, where children and teens spend their time. And this is understandable. It is natural to want to protect children from what you believe are offensive or age-inappropriate ideas or information. But it is important to remember, that while you can decide what your own child can or cannot read, listen to, or watch, you do not have the right to make that decision for other children. Nor do public library staff; that responsibility lies with their own parents and guardians.

      Increase in Requests to Remove Books from Libraries

      In 2023, libraries across Canada and the United States saw a significant increase in requests to remove books from libraries. From January to August, among reporting public libraries in the United States, there were 531 censorship requests, resulting in a total of 3,923 titles (Book Ban Data, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom). The majority of these titles are by or about 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC people.

      In Canada, the number of reported requests to remove, relocate, or restrict access to books for children or teens in a public or school library increased by 109% from 2022 (Library Challenges Database, Centre for Free Expression). The vast majority of the titles represent 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices and experiences.

      This trend is very concerning. It is deeply troubling that the voices being silenced are those that have fought for years to be heard, and are those providing much needed mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Public libraries exist to provide equal access to a wide variety of ideas, information, opinions, perspectives, and stories, helping to create a more informed, empathetic, and curious community.

      Let's not forget about children and teens and their incredible capacity to think deeply, identify injustice, and empathize with the world around them. Given the chance, young readers can teach us all to be more kind, fair and understanding.

      In a time when books by and about 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC people are being challenged at alarming rates, it is even more crucial for all of us to really think about the impact of diverse stories, and the message we share when we restrict access to diverse stories. 

      Additional Resources

      You can  read more about book banning in the United States, and the books being challenged here in Canada:

      Book Bans, PEN America

      Library Challenges Database, Centre for Free Expression, Toronto Metropolitan University

      Intellectual Freedom Challenges reports, the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB)

      Banned and Challenged Books, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom

      Further Reading

      The Freedom to Read What We Want: How Glorious is That!

      Mouths Open: On 2SLGBTQIA+ Censorship

      View all cards in Banned Books Week View all cards in censorship View all cards in Freedom to Read View all cards in Freedom to Read Week
      Add a comment

      More by DidYouKnow

      Through the Eyes of Youth

      • Kids
      • Preschoolers
      • Teens
      • Newcomers
      • Annual Report 2023-24

      Access for All

      • Adults
      • Kids
      • Accessibility
      • access
      • accessibility

      New Editions & New Additions 2023-24

      • Adults
      • Accessibility
      • Beyond Books
      • Annual Report 2023-24
      • Library Kiosks

      Discover New Posts

      Paws to Read: Volunteer With Your Dog

      • Adults
      • Support Your Library
      • dogs
      • National Volunteer Week
      • Paws to Read

      Cultural Bridges Through Poetry (Asian Heritage)

      • Adults
      • Kids
      • Teens
      • Celebrating Culture
      • Newcomers

      Teen Volunteers: Leadings Readers & Dungeon Masters

      • Adults
      • Kids
      • Teens
      • Games & Gaming
      • Hobbies & Interests

      Add a comment to: Exploring The World and Reading Free: Children, Teens and Public Libraries

      We welcome your respectful and on-topic comments and questions in this limited public forum. To find out more, please see Appropriate Use When Posting Content. Community-contributed content represents the views of the user, not those of Halifax Public Libraries

      Footer Menu

      About

      • Strategic Plan 2017-2021
      • Leadership
        • Management Team
        • Contact Marketing & Communications
        • The Board
          • Board Meetings
          • Our Committees
      • Our Logo
      • Building Projects
        • Halifax North Renovation
        • Sheet Harbour Renovation
      • Annual Reports
      • Policies

      Careers

      • Working with Us
      • Jobs

      Support

      • Donate
      • Volunteer
        • Teen Volunteer Opportunities
        • Children’s Reading Support Volunteers
        • English Conversation Group Volunteers
        • English Language Learning Volunteers
        • Food Programming Volunteers
        • Home Delivery Volunteers
        • Literacy Help & Upgrading Volunteers
        • Lou Duggan Creative Studio Volunteers
      • Library Store

      Quick Links

      • Blog Posts
      • Latest News
      • Online Resources
      • Interlibrary Loans
      • Suggestion for Purchase
      • Offer a Library Program
      • Hours & Locations

      Contact the Library

      Halifax Public Libraries
      Administration
      60 Alderney Drive
      Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
      B2Y 4P8
      Contact Us

      Contact the Library

      Halifax Public Libraries
      Administration
      60 Alderney Drive
      Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
      B2Y 4P8
      Contact Us
      Internet Terms of Use
      Terms of Use, opens a new window Privacy Statement, opens a new window Accessibility Statement, opens a new window © 2025 Halifax Public Libraries

      Powered by BiblioCommons.

      BiblioWeb: webapp04 Version 4.26.1 Last updated 2025/04/27 08:13

      Back to Top