Freedom to Read Week 2007 - Celebrate your choices, contemplate the challenges
Toronto, February 25–March 3, 2007 – The Book and Periodical Council encourages all Canadians to read challenged books and magazines during Freedom to Read Week.
“The unfettered access to a variety of publications that we, as Canadians, enjoy is worth celebrating; however, celebration must not breed complacency,” says Emily Sinkins, Chair of the Freedom of Expression Committee. “Books and magazines are still being challenged in our libraries, in our bookstores, in our schools and at our borders. Our authors, artists and journalists continue to find their freedom of expression threatened through means both subtle and overt.”
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 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. For shutterbugs, don’t forget about our photography contest! Enter your photographs of challenged books, events, or something that captures the spirit of Freedom to Read.
The Freedom of Expression Committee publishes Freedom to Read 2007. The annual review highlights censorship issues, includes updates and features articles by Canadian writers, including Deborah Ellis, Ezra Levant and Val Ross. 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 WeekThe 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, please visit
http://www.freedomtoread.ca/For more information, contact
Book and Periodical Council
416-975-9366 or
publicity@freedomtoread.ca
