February 22 to 28 is Freedom to Read Week. This annual event encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
FVRL supports your freedom to read! Read on to learn more about intellectual freedom. And visit FVRL during Freedom to Read Week to find information, displays and events about banned books and the importance of intellectual freedom in our communities.
Freedom to Read FAQ
Intellectual freedom is the right to free thought, belief, opinion and expression. These freedoms are granted to all Canadians under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
FVRL values intellectual freedom, the free exchange of information and ideas in a democratic society and the individuals’ rights to privacy and choice. Our libraries offer a wide range of materials representing various points of view. We value open access to information for all members of our communities, and we stand against calls for censorship.
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials.
Books have been challenged or banned for many reasons. These include sexual content, profane language, violence or controversial ideas. Today, we are seeing many books challenged or banned because they contain 2SLGBTQIA+ content or discussions of race issues.
FVRL does not ban books. Our libraries offer a wide range of materials representing various points of view. We value open access to information for all members of our communities, and we stand against calls for censorship.
FVRL carries a wide range of materials, including items that could be considered controversial or offensive to some people. Library staff are happy to guide you to materials that reflect your own interests and values.
Yes! FVRL’s commitment to intellectual freedom is outlined in our Collection Board Policy. You can read it here: fvrl.me/CollectionBoardPolicy
Visit freedomtoread.ca to learn more about intellectual freedom and book challenges in Canada. You'll also find news, resources and events, as well as ways to get involved during Freedom to Read Week.
Freedom to Read Week Events
Freedom to Read Week Film Screening
Chilliwack Library:
Monday, February 23, 5:45 pm–7:45 pm
Banned Together is a powerful documentary following three teenagers from Beaufort, South Carolina, who take a stand against the removal of 97 books from their school libraries. As they fight for the right to read, they challenge the forces behind rising book bans and censorship across the U.S. The film highlights their courage and determination, shedding light on the broader fight for free expression in schools.
Join us for this inspiring, timely film that explores the importance of diverse voices and the power of activism. Light refreshments will be served, for ages 16+.
Warning: The film contains mature themes and course language.
Freedom to Read Storytime
Chilliwack Library:
Thursday, February 26, 10 am–10:30 am
Celebrate Freedom to Read Week with us by joining our very special Storytime featuring some children’s titles that have faced being challenged or banned.
Titles may include:
- The Berenstain Bears Take Off! by Mike Berenstain
- My First Ramadan by Karen Katz
- A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary
- Good Families Don’t by Robert Munsch
- Donovan’s Big Day by Leslea Newman
- Everybunny Dance! By Ellie Sandall
Introduce kids to the love of books and language with Storytime! Children and caregivers will enjoy interactive stories, songs, rhymes and more. Storytime prepares children to learn to read.
Freedom to Read Booklist
For decades, Canadian libraries have received challenges to materials that were deemed offensive or inappropriate for certain audiences. The titles on the list below represent book challenges that have taken place across the country for various reasons. Each challenge sought to limit public access to these publications in libraries, schools and elsewhere. (Sources: Centre for Free Expression Library Challenges Database and the Freedom to Read list of challenged works.)
Fraser Valley Regional Library supports your freedom to read! The books on this list are all available to borrow from the FVRL collection. However, please note that these titles may contain controversial or offensive ideas. FVRL offers a wide range of materials representing various points of view; this does not imply endorsement or sanction of any of the opinions expressed.
Beanstack Online Reading Challenges
Stay motivated to read with FVRL's online challenges. Throughout February, we are hosting a Freedom to Read Week-themed reading challenge. Register and earn reading badges for your chance to win prizes! As you progress, discover Freedom to Read activities and information. To start a reading challenge, visit FVRL's Beanstack page or download the Beanstack app.
