Richmond, BC – Libraries across Canada recognize Freedom to Read Week in February each year, but we strive year-round to protect your right to freely choose what you read. During Freedom to Read Week, our attention turns to 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 100 customer challenges.
“Richmond Public Library has a significant responsibility to support and preserve intellectual freedom and the right to choose what you read, listen to and watch,” says Jordan Oye, Library Board Chair. “The library offers uncensored access to our extensive collections on a large variety of topics, covering many different viewpoints. By bringing awareness to this important week, we hope that our community will engage in dialogue 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 can also be viewed at any RPL branch.
Join us in celebrating your freedom to read by checking out 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. And, as always, you can ask a library staff member for recommendations to suit your or your family’s reading preferences. For those who prefer, reach out by email at https://www.yourlibrary.ca/ask-us or give us a call at (604) 231-6413. We are here to help!
To find out more about Freedom to Read Week, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.