The Summerland library will be celebrating the 40th annual Freedom To Read week, which runs from Feb. 18 to 24. It’s a time where we can reflect on what the word freedom means, but more importantly what it means to be able to read what you want, without restrictions.
After all, it is a fundamental right of all Canadians, and the public library is dedicated to upholding your rights.
Freedom to Read is for everyone. Everyone.
There are books that you might find distasteful, or that go against your personal values, but there will be someone else that finds that book to be important and meaningful to them. It’s about accepting and respecting that each individual person has the right to choose.
Alas, there are those that put considerable effort into censorship, campaigning to restrict access to certain materials or viewpoints.
Take for instance, the contentious debate around SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) curriculum in schools.
The passionate and polarized discourse is all over the news, with protests and organized marches for and against.
Our freedom to participate in these types of protests is also granted in the constitution. We have the right to peaceful assembly, association and expression.
One way to make informed decisions and gain understanding about the subject is to read about it.
An Internet search on the government website will take you to the SOGI information page and book lists. If you are curious about the books that are on the curriculum list, the public library will have a selection on display during Freedom to Read week, available to browse and check out.
We encourage you to question, analyze and evaluate these books for yourself.
As a community, let’s strive for civil and respectful dialogue on this controversial topic. By listening to concerns, fear and misconceptions can be addressed, and common ground can be found. By taking action against censorship, we can promote a culture of diversity and inclusivity in our community.
Show your support for Freedom To Read week at the library by taking the trivia challenge on our website, www.orl.bc.ca. There are five literary themed prize packs to be won.
Test your knowledge on censorship and intellectual freedom, or read a banned or challenged book from one of the book lists.
Show support for your freedom to read all year long by visiting your public library.
Caroline McKay is the community librarian at the Summerland branch of the Okanagan Regional Library.