Press Releases

 
Freedom to Read Week 2008
Celebrate your choices, contemplate the challenges
Toronto, February 24–March 1, 2008 — The Book and Periodical Council encourages all Canadians to read challenged books and magazines during Freedom to Read Week (FTRW).

“Canadians often take our freedom to read for granted, but it’s a right that regularly comes under fire,” says Emily Sinkins, Chair of the Freedom of Expression Committee. “Whenever books are removed from school library shelves or journalists are silenced by the threat of legal action, we’re reminded how important it is to fight for the free exchange of ideas between writers and readers.”

During Freedom to Read Week, the BPC urges Canadians to use their right to choose what they read and to celebrate Canadians who fight to protect that right from would-be censors.

Freedom to Read Week will feature events across Canada. Scheduled events include reading marathons, anti-censorship displays and public debates that encourage people to defend their freedom to read controversial books and magazines. Visit our Web site at http://www.freedomtoread.ca/ to see our calendar of events: many events are free and open to the public.

Take part in BookCrossings.com’s “read and release a book” program! Go to www.freedomtoread.ca to learn how to release challenged books into your community. Find inspiration in our online Poster Gallery, which represents nearly a quarter of a century of Freedom to Read Week artwork. (FTRW celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2009.)

The Freedom of Expression Committee has published Freedom to Read 2008. The annual review highlights censorship issues, includes updates and feature articles by Canadian writers, including June Callwood, Derek Finkle and Juliet O’Neill. It also includes a “Get Involved” section with activity ideas for educators, students and librarians. It’s not too late: order your copy today!

About Freedom to Read Week
The Book and Periodical Council established the Freedom of Expression Committee in 1978 in response to the attempted censorship of books by Margaret Laurence, John Steinbeck and J.D. Salinger. Since 1984, the Committee has organized Freedom to Read Week, a cross-country celebration of intellectual freedom. To learn more about Freedom to Read Week, please visit http://www.freedomtoread.ca/.

For more information, contact
Book and Periodical Council
416-975-9366 or publicity@freedomtoread.ca

FTRW_2008_Press_Release.pdf