Supporting intellectual freedom for all individuals, the Richmond Public Library is celebrating Freedom to Read week later this month.
From Feb. 25 to March 3, the annual event is celebrated by libraries across Canada. Each year, the Richmond Public Library highlights the importance of freedom of information and the rights of individuals to choose what they want to read, view and listen to. The library also raises awareness on the issues surrounding censorship and its effects.
“Even in Canada, our freedom to read can never be taken for granted,” said Susan Koch, library board chair in a press release. “Freedom to Read Week is an opportunity for Richmond Public Library and the City of Richmond to jointly acknowledge and raise public awareness about the impacts that censorship can have.”
Mayor Malcolm Brodie issued an official proclamation endorsing the event. The library will celebrate with displays of banned and challenged books at its branches. The library continues to provide the community with free access to a wide range of materials in a variety of formats.
To find out more about Freedom to Read Week, visit www.freedomtoread.ca.
