Freedom to Read Week

Freedom to Read

"Freedom to Read" week (February 26 - March 3, 2012) is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reconfirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms." (Book & Periodical Council of Canada)

Did you know?  This presentation highlights various works that have been challenged over the years because of their content, or what they are perceived to represent. It also highlights some of the creative artwork produced for the last twenty-five years plus to celebrate the freedom of expression in Canada.

Here are just a few examples of books that have been challenged in Canada: 

• Margaret Laurence, The Diviners
• J.D. Salinger, Catcher in the Rye
• Rosamund Elwin, Asha's Mums
• Alice Munro, Lives of Girls and Women
• Elizabeth Laird, A Little Piece of Ground
• Mordecai Richler, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
• John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
• Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
• J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter
• Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn
• Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale
  

The Library is committed to Freedom to Read and has an established policy to handle challenged materials.  If you have questions, or concerns regarding any of our materials, please review the Reconsideration of Library Materials policy, and/or contact the Director, Laraine Tapak.