Richmond, BC – Libraries across Canada recognize Freedom to Read Week every February, but we strive year-round to protect your right to freely choose what you read. During Freedom to Read Week, libraries focus on raising awareness about the impacts of censorship and informing the community about how and why books are challenged.
Hundreds of mainstream and little-known books, movies, magazines and more have been challenged in Canada over the last 40 years. During that same time, Richmond Public Library has received, reviewed and resolved 117 customer challenges, including five last year.
“Intellectual freedom and the right to choose what you read, listen to and watch is fundamental to what Richmond Public Library stands for,” says Wendy Jang, Coordinator of Collections and Customer Service Delivery. “Our collection of over 420,000 digital and physical items covers a wide range of ideas and viewpoints that inspire curiosity, enhance creativity and help to build a more informed society.”
The City of Richmond stands with the library in support of intellectual freedom. The Mayor has signed a proclamation endorsing Freedom to Read Week, available on our website at https://www.yourlibrary.ca/proclamation and on display at all RPL branches.
There are many ways to celebrate your freedom to read at Richmond Public Library. Visit our online collection of some of the most popular challenged books at https://www.yourlibrary.ca/freedom. Or, visit one of our library locations in-person to browse our displays of banned and challenged books, or take part in a book club where you can share your ideas, broaden your horizons and gain different perspectives. Plus, be sure to try the library’s Your Next Great Read service, where a librarian will personally make book suggestions based on your reading interests.
To learn more about Freedom to Read Week, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.