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
      • Our Community
      20
      Feb 2024

      Categories

      • View all cards in Adults
      • View all cards in Beyond Books (Special Items)
      • View all cards in Books
      • View all cards in Social Issues
      • View all cards in Support Your Library
      • View all cards in Writers & Writing

      Similar Posts for You

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

        Feb 15, 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

      Freedom to Read Initiatives We Love

      by Our CommunityFebruary 20, 2024

      Freedom to Read Week, opens a new window (February 18-24) is a special time that calls on people everywhere to support the right to read, share ideas, and speak freely. It's when communities, libraries, and advocates in Canada join forces to fight against censorship and keep the joy of reading open to everyone.

      With so many people, organizations, and communities actively upholding our right to read freely,  we thought we’d take the opportunity to share some of our favourite standout initiatives, campaigns, and efforts showing the creative and passionate work being done surrounding the freedom to read year-round.

      Standout Freedom to Read Efforts

      Engaging Events by the American Library Association (ALA)

      In 2023, the American Library Association ALA organized a series of exciting events using digital tools to connect people and promote advocacy. A key event was a live talk with LeVar Burton, opens a new window (actor and author, best known for roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Reading Rainbow) and Da’Taeveyon Daniels, opens a new window (Youth Honorary Chair) on Facebook Live, which drew many viewers and highlighted how stories help us understand different lives and experiences. ALA also hosted a webinar with Ibram X. Kendi, opens a new window (author, professor, anti-racist activist, and historian of race and discriminatory policy in America), offering insights into racial justice and books. Additionally, roundtable discussions with young advocates gave new ideas on how to fight book bans, sharing useful tips and building community. The ALA celebrated Let Freedom Read Day with activities like reading banned books on YouTube, showing the strong will of readers and writers against censorship.

      Why We Love It: The ALA's use of digital events and high profile figures shows how technology and advocates can connect and attract different voices in the fight for the freedom to read. Their events are not just informative but also encourage people to take action, showing the important role libraries play in starting conversations and sharing various stories.

      San Diego State University (SDSU) Student Read Out

      In 2023, SDSU held a Student Read Out event during Banned Books Week, opens a new window, marking the university's commitment to sharing knowledge. Students and teachers came together to support books that have been banned or challenged by reading aloud, creating a lively space for discussions about censorship. By focusing on these books, SDSU highlighted the importance of hearing different views and the essential role of academic freedom in seeking truth and knowledge.

      Why We Love It: SDSU's effort to fight censorship through education and active involvement shows the impact academic groups can have in protecting the freedom to read. This action not only resists censorship, but also encourages people to stand up for intellectual freedom wherever they are.

      Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's Interactive Events

      In 2023, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, opens a new window introduced innovative online events to get people talking about banned and challenged books. They created a digital escape room to help participants understand the effects of censorship, while also boosting their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Events like teen trivia, bingo, and Kahoot! were fun, educational, and sparked conversations about the themes and authors of challenged books. These creative events helped raise awareness about censorship and the importance of free access to literature.

      Why We Love It: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s fun online events show how learning and engagement can work together. By using creative activities, they brought important issues into community discussions, proving that innovative programs can make a big difference in the fight for the freedom to read.

      Book Sanctuaries

      Libraries in cities like Calgary, opens a new window, Toronto, opens a new window, and Ottawa, opens a new window, have adopted the concept of book sanctuaries, opens a new window, initiated by Chicago Public Library, opens a new window, which strongly oppose book bans by providing a haven for controversial titles. These sanctuaries promise to keep and share books that have been banned or challenged elsewhere, making sure readers can explore a wide array of ideas and stories. This move not only protects the freedom to read but also sends a strong message about libraries' role as champions of intellectual freedom and information access.

      Why We Love It: Book sanctuaries show libraries' commitment to ensuring the right to read, even when faced with censorship. This movement underlines the need for collective action in keeping diverse voices and stories available, reinforcing the public library as a fundamental part of a democratic society.

      Brooklyn Public Library's Books Unbanned Initiative

      The Books Unbanned initiative, started by the Brooklyn Public Library, is a shining example of resistance against the rise of book bans in the United States. In response to rising book challenges, particularly within the YA (young adult) category, the program offers free Brooklyn Public lIbrary e-cards to anyone in the United States between the ages of 13 -21. By providing plenty of online resources, support, a safe space for exploration, and more, the initiative makes sure the next generation is informed, enlightened, and free to form their own views. The program is meeting its objectives; more than 10,000 teens from all 50 states have borrowed titles, and, the initiative has been adopted by other libraries, such as Seattle Public Library, opens a new window, Boston Public Library, opens a new window, LA County Library, opens a new window, and more. 

      Why We Love It: Books Unbanned directly addresses censorship, providing access for young library users to read threatened stories and ideas. This program reflects the library's core mission to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for the wide range of thought and creativity, playing a crucial role in the fight for free expression. Additionally, its online platform means it’s accessible to people outside of the libraries' catchment areas.

      The Ezra Klein Show featuring Emily Drabinski

      This episode, opens a new window of The Ezra Klein Show is highly recommended listening. The talk between guest host Tressie McMillan Cottom (writer, sociologist, and associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science) and Emily Drabinski (president of the American Library Association) explored the political and cultural worries leading to library attacks. This discussion touches on the many ways libraries help bridge social gaps, offer important services, and protect the public's right to information. By comparing libraries to other essential services and discussing the effects of censorship, the conversation highlights the wider impact of limiting access to information.

      Why We Love It: This episode reminds us of the lasting importance of libraries in creating an informed, active, and inclusive society. It stresses the need to defend these spaces from censorship, showing the library as a key part of democratic life.

      Poets, Essayists and Novelists (PEN) Canada's Voices of Freedom Event

      In 2023, PEN Canada's Voices of Freedom, opens a new window reading series brought attention to exiled writers' stories, offering a look into the fight for free speech around the world. By sharing their experiences, these writers, including Bushra Elfadil, Kiran Nazish, Alexander Duarte, and Luis Horacio Najera, showed how writing can cross borders and emphasized storytelling's role in pushing for human rights and justice. This event, which highlighted the publication of The Uncaged Voice, opens a new window, written by PEN Canada’s Writers in Exile Collective, opens a new window, reminds us of the high cost of censorship and the enduring courage of those who stand up for the right to speak and write freely.

      Why We Love It: Voices of Freedom celebrates the determination of writers who continue to share their stories despite exile and censorship. It's a strong example of how literature can connect cultures, build empathy, and drive change, reminding us of the value of fighting for the freedom to express ourselves.

      A Year-Round Commitment

      These efforts to support intellectual freedom are more than campaigns—they demonstrate our need for knowledge, conversation, and expression. These diverse initiatives remind us of our shared power to challenge censorship, celebrate diverse voices, and uphold the fundamental right to read. Let's keep this spirit alive beyond Freedom to Read Week by working together to ensure that access to books, knowledge and ideas is always available and protected.

      To learn more about Freedom to Read Week, visit freedomtoread.ca, opens a new window

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

      More by Our Community

      Cultural Bridges Through Poetry (Asian Heritage)

      • Adults
      • Kids
      • Teens
      • Celebrating Culture
      • Newcomers

      Meet Solitha Shortte: The Visionary Behind Fabric of Our DNA

      • Adults
      • Teens
      • Art & Craft
      • Celebrating Culture
      • Pop Culture

      Local Nature Adventures Perfect for Kids

      • Adults
      • Kids
      • Climate Action
      • Earth Day

      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: Freedom to Read Initiatives We Love

      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