Next week, the Cochrane Public Library will spotlight one of those things that Canadians take for granted: the freedom to read whatever we choose.
Ardis Proulx-Chedore is assistant to the library CEO. She has a quick explanation of Freedom to Read Week. “Celebrating our right to read freely. So there’s no censorship in what we have the ability to read.”
Proulx-Chedore explains that in the U.S. and other countries, books can be banned outright. In Canada, they can only be challenged for their suitability in libraries and schools.
To mark the week, the library is planning one big internet-based activity.
“What we’re actually doing is hosting a battle of the books online on our website, where people can vote for their favourite book,” notes Proulx-Chedore. “I’m not going to give them away. They can go have a look at them. Then the winning book is going to be featured on our website.”
Proulx-Chedore adds that there will be prizes and trivia questions throughout the week.