UBC Library is honouring this year’s Freedom to Read Week, from February 20th to 26th.
What is Freedom to Read Week?
Freedom to Read Week is a yearly celebration, organised by the Book Periodical Council, that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, a right guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
We should never take this privilege for granted – even in Canada, challenges are regularly made against books, magazines, and other print and electronic materials every year. Restricting access to materials and inhibiting free expression seriously impacts the rights of Canadians and others world-wide to decide for themselves what to read.
UBC Library is committed to upholding core principles of intellectual and academic freedom, removing barriers, expanding access, and encouraging exploration, inventiveness, and growth; Freedom to Read Week is a great way to honour these commitments.
How Can You Celebrate?
- Koerner Library encourages all UBC communities to take part in this year’s festivities. You can find a variety of events in your area and find out how you can join in here.
- Check out these resources on censorship and free expression for students and educators…
- Head to a UBC library branch and catch up on some of the works that have been challenged in Canada over the past few decades…
Check out some of the challenged books available at Koerner Library.
Further Reading
- A list of works challenged in Canada
- Banned book database, a project supported by UBC professor Florian Gassner
- Children’s and Young Adult Literature most frequently challenged (ALA) 1990 – 1999
To learn more about UBC Library’s collections and collection policies, click here.
