"Freedom to Read" Week at Georgian Libraries

Sometimes, before we ‘ve even committed to reading a book, the very first line on the page grabs our interest and compels us to read the rest of the book. Not all first lines are created equally, and each book draws a different type of reader. You like spaghetti, and I like rice, another loves salad, and someone else loves potatoes. So, we pick the flavour we wish to have. That’s the rule, right?

Except, some didn’t understand the assignment and think they have the right to make the decisions for all of us.

Yep. They say - we are all going to get mashed potatoes.

No salt or butter.

No exceptions.

What books are banned and why?

The juicy or raw stuff. The “different”, the honest, the not-mainstream, the historical, the well-intentioned, the ribald, the angry and the bold. These challenges occur when an individual or group or people makes a judgement based on their own perceptions and understanding. As early as 1637, governments, associations and like-minded people began to censor what everyone else was reading. This practice of enforced censorship has sometimes waned or intensified since then but most significantly, it has never ceased. Censorship is still a common problem.

What can be done?

In 1984, libraries, library associations and nonprofit organizations in Canada began an annual event called the Freedom to Read to counter these actions. Libraries, of all types across Canada stand up to advocate to keep library shelves free from censorship where one can choose to read whatever one wants.

February 23rd to March 1st is the Freedom to Read week and we invite you to learn more about it and what you can do to champion this movement.

What do Georgian people say?

We talked to Georgian students and staff about intellectual freedom, favourite banned books, reading preferences, and the importance of the freedom to read. We asked, “what does the freedom to read mean to you?” This is what they said.

"It's for you to choose whatever you want to read and be aware that you have the right to free speech. It's for you to read whatever you want. It's not fair for someone to for someone to stop you at that point." – Jennifer, Barrie student

"The freedom to read is one of the foremost tennants of libraries. Our most important mission is to provide free access to information regardless of beliefs or opinions. We uplift the society's human right to read without censorship or restriction and invite people into our spaces for open discussion and knowledge sharing, protecting intellectual freedom for all." Joanna Coulthard – Director, Libraries and Learning Services

“In short it is our responsibility as educators to provide all the information to students, not just what we judge as acceptable.” - Steven Kooy, Professor

“The college environment must be a bastion of free thought for all those within it. The freedom to read texts which challenge both students and faculty is essential in maintaining a place where both learners and educators can foster critical thinking, creativity, and so many other aspects of pedagogy that help us all grow as individuals.” – Grant Vanderburg, Professor

The freedom to read means promoting, “critical thinking” and an “educated society.” – Orillia student

The most important quote of all is yours. What do you say about your right to choose what you read? Your right to eat rice instead of potatoes. Your right to add butter or salt.

As we spend this week celebrating banned books and our right to read diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas, take a minute and answer this question: “what does the freedom to read mean to you.”

Do you want to play a game?

How well do you know your banned books? Can you tell which opening lines match the book titles and authors?

And can you guess why they were banned? Click on the titles below to find out!