Richmond, BC – Libraries across Canada recognize Freedom to Read Week in February, but we strive year-round to protect your right to freely choose what you read. During Freedom to Read Week, we 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 over 110 customer challenges, including 6 last year.
“Richmond Public Library is committed to supporting and preserving intellectual freedom and the right to choose what you read, listen to and watch,” says Jordan Oye, Library Board Chair. “The library is proud to offer extensive collections on a large variety of topics, exploring many different viewpoints. During Freedom to Read Week, we bring awareness to the importance of understanding and talking about censorship and the freedom to read.”
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.
Join us in celebrating your freedom to read by visiting our interactive online collection of some of the most popular challenged books at https://www.yourlibrary.ca/freedom, viewing our displays of banned and challenged books in our branches or connecting with library staff. As always, you can ask a library staff member for recommendations to suit your family’s reading preferences. You can also call us with your questions at (604) 231-6413 or email us at https://www.yourlibrary.ca/ask-us. We are here to help!
To learn more about Freedom to Read Week, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.