Get Caught Reading a Banned Book
Get caught reading a banned book during Freedom to Read Week February 18-24. Join us at the library to take your mugshot.
Freedom to Read Week Events
Every year, libraries, schools and community groups across Canada celebrate freedom of expression by organizing or participating in the Freedom to Read Week festivities. Browse events submitted by community members below!
Search Event Listings
The Right to Respect with John Ibbitson
John will examine the various fronts in the war against words: efforts to excise uncomfortable paragraphs from P.G. Wodehouse or Agatha Christie, proscribing Huckleberry Finn and other books because of their language or narrative; campaigns by the religious right to keep books that explore LGBTQ relationships out of schools.
February 20, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Freedom to Read Palestine: a community read-in
Join us for a community read-in where we will gather in one of Toronto’s best independent bookshops to read and discuss Poems for Palestine.
February 20, 2024
Toronto, Ontario
Banned Book Club
Join staff for an evening of banned book trivia, light refreshments and interesting conversation about why books are challenged.
February 20, 2024
Chilliwack, Alberta
Controversy @ Noon: Book Banning in Alberta and Canada
With book banning in Alberta and Canada seemingly on the rise, it’s left many wondering what this means for writers, for readers, and for the community at large. What are the ways in which censorship affects and/or impedes the literary world, and what can we do to maintain the creative freedom to read and to write what we choose to?
February 21, 2024
Edmonton, Alberta
Freedom to Read Open Mic
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Canada’s Freedom To Read Week, you’re invited to come read aloud (for up to 5 minutes) from your favourite book, for adults, teens, or children, that has been banned or challenged in libraries or schools.
February 21, 2024
Gibsons, Alberta
Freedom to Read Marathon Cafe
In celebration of Freedom to Read Week, join us for a reading marathon of books that have been challenged or banned.
February 21 to February 22, 2024
Chilliwack, Alberta
Freedom to Read Palestine: a community read in (Fredericton)
Join us for a community read-in where we will gather in Fredericton’s Westminster Bookshop to read and discuss Poems for Palestine, a chapbook released by Publishers 4 Palestine containing 13 short poems written between mid-October and mid-December 2023.
February 21, 2024
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Trivia at The Cure: Banned Books Edition
Calling all trivia lovers! Celebrate Freedom To Read Week with this trivia night at The Cure. Put your knowledge of banned books and intellectual freedom to the test! Join as an individual or team.
February 22, 2024
Regina, Saskatchewan
Virtual Book Club: They Called Us Enemy
Exchange ideas, participate in engaging discussions, and connect with JCC community members at our monthly Book Club.