Prince George Public Library hosts Freedom to Read Week

Feb 19, 2024 | 9:27 AM

PRINCE GEORGE— What does ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’, ‘The Golden Compass’, and ‘Gender Queer’ have in common? All of these books and more have had attempted book bans in Canada.

Photo Credit: PGPL

With 2024 marking the fortieth anniversary of Freedom to Read Week, the Prince George Public Library will be displaying a collection of books covers taken from documented Canadian book challenges, historic book burnings, and lists such as Pen America’s Most Challenged Books 2022-2023.

The goal of the display is for readers to challenge their views and learn more about our right to freedom of expression, with the covers including a brief description as to why each titled has been displayed. the PGPL states that many books may surprise you as books have faced challenges for many reasons including discussion on topics around 2SLGBT+, substance use, and sexuality.

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 reminder of the importance of fostering an enviroment where people can express their diverse opinions and prespective without censorship.

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“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,” remarked Library Director Paul Burry. “It’s important that our community members are aware of these issues and have an opportunity to voice their support.”

To further increase awareness of the importance of intellectual freedom they are asking people to take pictures with their favourite banned books at the PGPL and post it to social media with the tag @PrinceGeorgePublicLibrary.

Freedom to Read Week ends February 24, 2024.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com

by Sam Bennison

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Prince George Public Library hosts Freedom to Read Week

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