Have you ever thought that your favourite book could be banned due to racism, sexism, or any other offense that you might not even be aware of? Take part in Freedom to Read week, taking place from February 23rd to 29th, 2020. Freedom to Read week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm what they are reading to intellectual freedom. The Freedom of Expression Committee of the Book and Periodical Council organizes it.

Why is it Banned?

You may be wondering, what is it that determines if a book should be banned or not? Here are a few things to look out for:

• Racism
• Sexism
• Offensive language
• Violence
• Being anti-family
• Promoting a certain religious viewpoint
• Promoting the occult or Satanism
• Nudity
• Sexual education
• Being unsuited for a certain age group

Children’s Books That Have Been Banned

Here is a list of some childhood books that you may love and cherish that you probably do not even know have been banned:

• The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
• If I Ran The Zoo by Dr. Seuss
• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
• The Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Learn more >>

If you would like to learn more about Freedom to Read week, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.

Window display at NDC Library

Banned books, discussions of banned books, human rights and more. Check out the window display at NDC Library and borrow a book to read freely.

Freedom to Read Week Window Display at NDC Library

Questions or Comments?

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