Every year, there are demands to censor or ban library books and resources across North America.  

February 18 to 24 is Freedom to Read Week. It’s a week that encourages Canadians to consider more about censorship and intellectual freedom, to reaffirm their commitment to diverse content, and to explore ideas that might be different from their own. 

In recognition of the week, I presented five books to Mayor Gondek and City Council.

Each title represents a different aspect of the complex issue of intellectual freedom and challenged or banned books.  

The themes we see prevalent in banned books, through the years and today, include sexuality, gender, historical context, and race, often with a focus on materials for young people, and no doubt an increasing scrutiny on 2SLGBTQ+ content.  

Here are the books we presented:

The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish by Lil Miss Hot Mess. Lil Miss Hot Mess and this book are featured in the 2023 documentary, The ABC’s of Book Banning — which has been shortlisted for an Academy Award. 

All Boys Aren’t Blue by George Johnson. This book is part of a lawsuit against censorship laws in Florida and has been part of discussions around challenged books in Canadian schools. 

Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. This book about child empowerment and adventure is on Canada’s most challenged books list by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations.  

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume. Recently adapted into an acclaimed movie, this book was banned because of references to women’s health. Judy Blume has remained a powerful advocate for free speech and intellectual freedom for over 50 years.  

And lastly, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. This book has been part of the conversation about banned books since it was published in 1986 and now is the source for the popular TV show of the same name. 

This selection of books demonstrates how important this issue is and the impact book challenges can have. That’s why we need to champion the fundamental principles of intellectual freedom. 

Intellectual freedom is continually being challenged

Freedom to Read Week reminds us that book challenges and questioning of intellectual freedom continue to be faced by libraries across Canada and even in our own community. 

As champions of intellectual freedom, we are ensuring that our community has access to a diverse range of titles and information. The Library must remain a place where individuals can feel safe to explore, express, and exchange ideas.  

It’s OK if you disagree with a topic or have a different opinion – in fact, that’s great. That doesn’t mean we restrict access to information. Quite the opposite, in fact. We provide space for reading, learning, debate, and discussion.  

At the Library, we empower people to think critically, to challenge established norms, and to contribute to the collective knowledge base.  

Intellectual freedom isn’t just something we need to consider at the Library.  

It’s important for our entire community.  

Intellectual freedom fuels progress, promotes understanding, and creates a community that remains open to new ideas, is dynamic through change, and resilient in the face of new challenges.  

Today and throughout Freedom to Read Week, I encourage our community to join with citizens across Canada in recognizing and honouring the importance of intellectual freedom and our freedom to read.  

Read something you wouldn’t normally read.  

Explore an issue from an alternate perspective.  

Share your stories and what you’ve learned.  

And together, join us as we celebrate our freedom to read. 

• Sarah Meilleur is CEO of Calgary Public Library, one of North America’s largest municipal library systems. Read more about Calgary Public Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom.