In recognition of the importance of intellectual freedom, the Prince George Public Library (PGPL) proudly celebrates this year’s Freedom to Read Week, taking place February 18-24.
Championing freedom of expression and the right to access diverse literature, this national event is led by the partnership of Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, the Ontario Library Association, and the Book and Periodical Council.
Freedom to Read Week serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering an environment where individuals can explore a wide range of perspectives and information without censorship. As an organization that values diversity, inclusivity, and tolerance, PGPL believes in empowering minds through open access to literature that may challenge and broaden our understanding of the world. Libraries, schools, and community organizations across Canada are encouraged to each participate in this nationwide celebration of literary freedom in their own ways.
With 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of Freedom to Read Week, PGPL has created a collection of larger than life book covers, with titles taken from documented Canadian book challenges, historic book burnings, and lists such as Pen America’s Most Challenged Books 2022-2023.
Visitors to the Bob Harkins Branch in downtown Prince George will be invited to take their photo holding copies of their favourite banned books. The book cover images include a brief note outlining why each title has been selected for this display. To further increase awareness about this important topic, we encourage participants to then post their photos on
social media, adding the tag @PrinceGeorgePublicLibrary when they do so.
The goal of PGPL’s Freedom to Read Week event is to inspire dialogue and promote awareness of the importance of intellectual freedom.
“The threat of censorship and the attempts to prevent books and their ideas from being accessible to the public are on the rise throughout Canada,” said Library Director Paul Burry. “It’s important that our community members are aware of these issues and have an opportunity to voice their support.”
People may be surprised by the range of books that have been subject to challenges, both historically and in the world currently, as PGPL’s display includes not only works focusing on current topics such as 2SLBGTQI+, sexuality, and substance use, but also well-known classics such as Lives of Girls and Women, To Kill a Mockingbird, and War and Peace. All of the titles used in PGPL’s Freedom to Read Week display are available through our library’s catalogue. PGPL received five challenges to titles in our collection in 2023, and six challenges in 2021-2022.
For more information about Freedom to Read Week in Canada, please visit: https://www.freedomtoread.ca