Events

Tuesday, January 05, 2010–Wednesday, March 31, 2010  [Victoria, BC]

Freedom to Read Book Review Contest
The Greater Victoria Public Library hosts a Freedom to Read contest for teenagers. Teens review books challenged in Canada and enter to win one of ten $20 bookstore gift certificates. Contest runs over three months. Enter the contest online. Free. Victoria, BC.
Contact: Kirsten Andersen, Teen Services Librarian at kandersen@gvpl.ca.
Web: www.gvpl.ca/kids_and_teens/teens/

Monday, January 18, 2010–Sunday, February 28, 2010  [Provincewide, NL]

Freedom to Read 2010 Photo Contest
The Newfoundland and Labrador Library Association is accepting applications for their Freedom to Read 2010 Photo contest. The contest is open to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Submit photos about freedom of expression, freedom from censorship, anything that promotes the written word, anything that highlights how essential the freedom to read is to individuals, communities, and societies. The winning photograph and photographer’s name will be featured on a 14" x 19" Freedom to Read Week poster produced by NLLA and distributed for display in libraries across the province. The winning photographer will receive a professionally mounted copy of the poster. A maximum of 2 photographs will be accepted per entrant. Images must be 800 by 600 pixels at 72 dots per inch and should not exceed 900 kilobytes per image. Winners will be contacted if higher resolution images are required for publication. Images must be submitted electronically to nllafree2read@gmail.com. Entries will be acknowledged by reply e-mail. Each submission must include: The photographer’s name, postal address, e-mail address, and telephone number; and the title and location of each photograph. Entries must be received by February 28, 2010. All across Newfoundland and Labrador, Provincewide, NL.
Contact: nllafree2read@gmail.com.
Web: www.nlla.ca

Monday, January 25, 2010–Monday, March 01, 2010  [Kitchener, ON]

Altered Books Display
In celebration of Freedom to Read Week, the grade 12 visual arts class at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute have created an exhibit of sculptures made from discarded books, all meant to bring attention to issues of intellectual freedom. Free. Forest Heights Community Library, 251 Fischer Hallman Road, Kitchener, ON.
Contact: 519-743-0644.

Monday, January 25, 2010  [Calgary, AB]

Celebration of Freedom to Read Week - Calgary Freedom to Read Week Committee
This event will feature the three winners of the Freedom to Read Essay Contest, sponsored by the Calgary Public Library. They will be invited to read their essays. If a winner is unable to attend, someone will read their essay to the audience. The 2010 Calgary Freedom of Expression Award will be presented to the staff and volunteers of the Calgary Public Library by Ian Chiclo, publisher of Fast Forward Weekly, the sponsor of the Award. Gerry Meek, CEO of the Calgary Public Library, will accept the Award on behalf of all staff and volunteers. We are honouring the staff and volunteers of CPL for their role in protecting the right of readers to choose, for themselves and their children, what they wish to read. The policies are determined by the volunteer Board, and are carried out, day-by-day, through the efforts of staff and volunteers. Free. 7 pm. Owl's Nest Books, 815A 49 Ave SW, Calgary, AB.
Contact: anne@annejayne.com.

Monday, February 01, 2010–Sunday, February 28, 2010  [Stettler, AB]

Freeing of Words
The Stettler Public Library is repeating their very successful symbolic freeing of words by having the public write their word on a paper bird (or decorating the bird if they’d like). The librarians will fly these birds from the ceiling around the library. The Stettler Public Library will also be handing out "I’m with the banned" buttons to the public. These 2.5 inch buttons also have "freedomtoread.ca" and "Stettler Public Library" written on them. These events will take place throughout the month of February. Free. Stettler Public Library, 6202 44 Avenue, Stettler, AB.
Contact: Deborah Cryderman at 403-742-2292 or spl@libs.prl.ab.ca.

Monday, February 01, 2010–Sunday, February 28, 2010  [Edmonton, AB]

Freedom Challenge
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is issuing a challenge to all Edmontonians: "Tell us what freedom of expression means to you." What does freedom look like or sound like to you? Tell us in a photo, in a poem, in a song, in a short story, in a video, in a painting... express yourself any way you want. Email your submission to us or drop it off at your local EPL branch. Submissions will be posted anonymously on our Freedom to Read website and we will also show some of the more explosive expressions of freedom at the Freedom Ball. Get your submissions in now! Edmonton, AB.
Contact: freedom@epl.ca.
Web: www.epl.ca/freedom/portal.cfm

Monday, February 01, 2010–Sunday, February 28, 2010  [Airdrie, AB]

Freedom to Read Book Display
The Airdrie Public Library will have a display of banned and challenged books bound in chains and handcuffs. Find the "Free a Challenged Book" label in books on our shelves that have once been banned or challenged and go to bookcrossing.com to "free" them. Free. Airdrie Public Library, 111, 304 Main Street S., Airdrie, AB.
Contact: 403-948.0600.
Web: www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca

Monday, February 01, 2010–Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Victoria, BC]

Find a Challenged or Banned Book
The University of Victoria Libraries and Bookstore are organizing a special campus event to celebrate the 26th year of Freedom to Read Week. 26 campus representatives are releasing 26 challenged books using BookCrossing.com. During February 21-27 these books will be released on campus or around our region to spread the word about challenged and banned books. Challenged books are those where individuals, organizations or community groups have sought to limit public access to them in schools, libraries, or bookstores. The books will be tracked on the BookCrossing website, as they are picked up and read and left again in a public place, to continue their journey. Free. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC.
Contact: Susan Henderson at shenders@uvic.ca.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010–Friday, February 19, 2010  [Kingston, ON]

Queen’s University Reading Series
Queen’s faculty, students, staff and local authors will come together February 16-19 in Speaker’s Corner, Stauffer Library, to celebrate the freedom to read. Scheduled readers include Principal Daniel Woolf, local authors Wayne Grady, Larry Scanlan and Diane Schoemperlen, as well as faculty, students, librarians and staff from several departments and offices across campus. To mark the week, which formally takes place this year during the Reading Week break, Queen’s Library is hosting an advance series of public readings to raise awareness of censorship issues and challenges to the freedom to read. Readings will be drawn from a variety of works, reflecting material that is entertaining, inspiring, provocative, and sometimes challenging. Readings are open to the public. Free. noon to 1 pm each day. Stauffer Library, 101 Union Street, Queen's University, Kingston, ON.
Web: library.queensu.ca/news/archives/1160

Saturday, February 20, 2010  [Edmonton, AB]

Freedom to Create
Celebrate Freedom to Read Week by creating your own artistic masterpiece in the Castle Downs Library "Free-for-all" art project. Your creation will be displayed at the 2010 Freedom Ball. Come and help Castle Downs create a graffiti wall in celebration of Freedom to Read week. Free. 1 pm. Castle Downs Branch, 106 Lakeside Landing, 15379 Castle Downs Rd, Edmonton, AB.
Web: www.epl.ca/freedom/portal.cfm

Sunday, February 21, 2010–Wednesday, January 27, 2010  [Vancouver Island, BC]

Vancouver Island Regional Library Freedom to Read Week Display
The 39 branches of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) will each host a banned book display during Freedom to Read Week. A list of challenged book titles will be displayed for the public to look through. Free. Libraries across Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island, BC.
Contact: Monica Finn, Customer Service Librarian, Cowichan Branch at mfinn@virl.bc.ca.

Sunday, February 21, 2010–Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Fredericton, NB]

Freedom to Read Week Photography Exhibit
Photography students from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design (NBCCD) will have work displayed in the windows of Westminster Books for Freedom to Read Week. Each of these images is an individual response to the theme of "Freedom to Read." The students initially considered having captions, but felt that leaving them untitled allowed the viewer the "freedom" to find their particular meaning for the images. Free. Westminster Books, 445 King St, Fredericton, NB.
Contact: 506-454-1442.
Web: www.westminsterbooks.com

Sunday, February 21, 2010–Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Saskatoon, SK]

Freedom to Read Photo Contest
McNally Robinson book store will host a Freedom to Read photo contest where all submissions will be displayed in the store during Freedom to Read Week. People will be allowed to vote for the photo which best represents the theme of freedom to read. The winner will be announced at the end of the week and will receive a gift certificate to McNally Robinson. Free. McNally Robinson, 3130 8th Street East, Saskatoon, SK.
Contact: Nicole Berard at 306-955-3486 ext.202 or events@saskatoon.mcnallyrobinson.ca.
Web: www.mcnallyrobinson.com

Sunday, February 21, 2010–Thursday, April 01, 2010  [Lethbridge, AB]

Challenge Your Prejudices
The Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) will be hosting a special display and contest to promote reading outside your comfort zone. Break down some borders and try something new. Mark off genres and formats as you read, and you could win a Freedom to Read prize pack! Free. Lethbridge Public Library, 810 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB.
Contact: Paige McGeorge at 403-380-7311 or pmcgeorge@lethbridgepubliclibrary.ca.
Web: www.lethbridgepubliclibrary.ca

Sunday, February 21, 2010–Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Medicine Hat, AB]

Freedom to Read Display
Medicine Hat Public Library will have a Freedom to Read display set up. Learn about censorship in Canada and help liberate a challenged book by visiting the display on the upper level. Free. Medicine Hat Public Library, 414 1st Street S.E., Medicine Hat, AB.
Contact: Chris Field at chrfie@medicinehat.ca.
Web: www.mhpl.info

Monday, February 22, 2010  [Calgary, AB]

Presentation of a Challenged Book
The Calgary Freedom to Read Week Committee presents a challenged book to the Calgary City Council as part of the proclaimed Freedom to Read week. The Official Book of 2010 is And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole. The event takes place at the Council meeting. 9 am. Calgary, AB.
Contact: calgaryftrw@nucleus.com.

Monday, February 22, 2010–Saturday, February 27, 2010  [London, ON]

Freedom to Read Week Book Store Display
The Book Store at the University of Western Ontario will have a Freedom to Read display during FTRW 2010. University Community Centre, lower level, London, ON.
Contact: bkstor@uwo.ca.

Monday, February 22, 2010  [Windsor, ON]

Banned Book Reading Room
OPIRG Windsor, a non-profit organization, is putting together a "banned book reading room" to be opened in accordance with Freedom to Read Week. OPIRG Windsor is based on the campus of the University of Windsor. In the interests of providing students with reference material outside of the campus library, there will be a collection of ideologically radical and banned books available for students. The "Banned Book Library" will be located on campus and will provide an atmosphere where students can exercise their freedom to read. Free. University of Windsor, 252 Dillon Hall, Windsor, ON.
Contact: 519-253-3000 ext 3872 or opirg@uwindsor.ca.
Web: web4.uwindsor.ca/units/opirg/main.nsf

Monday, February 22, 2010–Friday, February 26, 2010  [Toronto, ON]

Banned Book Contest
The Harbord Collegiate Institute library holds a guess the banned book contest. A book is wrapped in paper and chained and put on display. During the week various clues are posted and the first student to guess the correct book is given a gift certificate. A collection of banned books will be on display in the library during Freedom to Read Week. Free. Harbord Collegiate Institute, 286 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON.
Contact: 416-393-1650.

Monday, February 22, 2010–Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Regina, SK]

Freedom to Read Week Displays
Come and check out the library’s Freedom to Read week displays. We’ll have several banned books from our collection on display as well as the staff’s favourite banned items! Free. SIAST Wascana Campus, 4500 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK.
Contact: Robin Canham at robin.canham@siast.sk.ca.
Web: www.siast.sk.ca/libraries

Monday, February 22, 2010–Friday, February 26, 2010  [Calgary, AB]

Freedom to Read Contest
Forest Lawn High School in Calgary is holding a Freedom to Read Contest. Write a poem, create a poster or photograph, video a dance or rap, or whatever creative medium you choose to celebrate Freedom to Read Week. For more information check the link on the school and library web sites and book displays in the library learning commons. Prizes include $30.00 gift certificates to bookstores. Contest entry forms are in the library. Contest ends on Friday at 2:00 p.m. Judging and announcement of winners will be made the following week. Free. Forest Lawn High School, 1304-44 Street, S.E., Calgary, AB.
Contact: Ms. Shantz-Keresztes, Teacher-Librarian at 403-272-6665 ext. 2245.
Web: schools.cbe.ab.ca/b813/depts/library/freedom%20to%20read.htm

Monday, February 22, 2010–Thursday, February 25, 2010  [Edmonton, AB]

Freedom to Read Events at the University of Alberta
During Freedom to Read Week, student representatives from the Canadian Library Association Student Chapter and the Future Librarians for Intellectual Freedom (FLIF) will be promoting the freedom to read to the University of Alberta campus community in Edmonton, Alberta. Drop by our table at HUB Mall to see a display of banned books and talk to future librarians about freedom of expression. You can buy buttons and bookmarks that will proudly display your support of our freedom to read, and all proceeds will go towards the Greater Edmonton Library Association's Women's Prison and Reintegration subcommittee. Free. 10 am until 3 pm. Hub Mall at the University of Alberta campus, Edmonton, AB.
Web: flifblog.blogspot.com

Monday, February 22, 2010  [Ottawa, ON]

Dangerous Words
Ottawa celebrates Freedom to Read Week 2010 with a roundtable about censorship with special guests author Alan Cumyn, Ottawa Public Library manager Diana Pepall and Evan May, part-time faculty at the University of Ottawa. Join the Library Association of the National Capital Region (LANCR) and the English Department of the University of Ottawa for this exciting roundtable in Morisset, followed by a banned book pub quiz at the Royal Oak on Laurier. General admission $8, LANCR members and University students $5.00. RSVP: Before Monday, Feb. 15. 6-10 pm. Room 211, Morisset Library, University of Ottawa;, and the Royal Oak, 161 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa, ON.
Contact: lancrinfo@gmail.com.
Web: lancr.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/dangerous-words/

Tuesday, February 23, 2010  [Edmonton, AB]

Freedom to View
The Stanley A. Milner Library hosts a Special Teen Movie Scene screening of a challenged film. Ages 14-25. Come watch films which are considered to be controversial. Free. 2 pm. Stanley A. Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB.
Web: www.epl.ca/freedom/portal.cfm

Tuesday, February 23, 2010  [Toronto, ON]

The Good Fight: The Legal Limits of Free Expression
The BPC’s Freedom of Expression Committee presents a panel discussion. This lively and challenging panel is a key event of the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom to Read Week. Outspoken experts discuss recent libel developments, the defence of public interest, the impact of law on the stories that writers cover and the push and pull between lawyers and journalists about what gets published. The Good Fight! panelists include Toronto Star public editor Kathy English, Globe and Mail columnist Rick Salutin and media lawyers Brian MacLeod Rogers and Paul Schabas. The discussion will be moderated by writer Erika Ritter. The event includes the presentation of The Writers’ Union of Canada’s Freedom to Read Award. Free. 6 pm. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON.
Contact: publicity@theBPC.ca.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010  [Halifax, NS]

Freedom to Read Discussion
To recognize Freedom to Read Week, February 21-27, retired Saint Mary’s University English Professor Gillian Thomas will discuss how libel laws affect writers and how freedom to write leads to freedom to read. Free. 12 noon. Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library, 5381 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS.
Contact: Cheryl Black at blackc@halifax.ca.
Web: www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca

Thursday, February 25, 2010  [Calgary, AB]

WGA and WordFest Celebrate Freedom to Read Week with Todd Babiak
WordFest and the Writers Guild of Alberta invite you to a party to celebrate our freedom to write, read and express ourselves. The annual celebration has moved to February to help celebrate Freedom to Read Week. Todd Babiak will be reading from his new book, Toby: A Man. Babiak is on the board of PEN Canada and is visiting Calgary before returning abroad. Join us for readings, refreshments and prizes! Free. 5:30 pm. The Auburn Saloon, 163-115 9 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB.
Contact: Mary Kapusta at 403-237-9068 or marketing@wordfest.com.

Thursday, February 25, 2010  [Windsor, ON]

Anti-Censorship Evening
Literary Arts Windsor invites all to attend an evening of discussion surrounding censorship and democracy in recognition of Freedom to Read Week 2010. This free event features keynote speaker Marian Botsford Fraser, chair of International PEN's writers in prison committee. Canadian writer Marian Botsford Fraser is past president of PEN Canada, and currently works through her position as chair of the writers in prison committee to defend against attacks on free expression through advocacy, lobbying and public awareness. The evening will also host a presentation from El Salvadorian writer in exile Horacio Castellanos Moya, a performance from local musician Len Wallace, and a panel discussion on topics surrounding censorship in Canada and other democratic countries. Free. 7:30 pm. McPherson Lounge in Alumni Hall at the University of Windsor, 750 Sunset Ave., South of Wyandotte St., Windsor, ON.
Contact: Anne Beer at 519-258-2726 or abeer@newusedbooks.com.

Thursday, February 25, 2010  [Edmonton, AB]

Banned Books Café
Celebrate Freedom to Read Week by participating in the Edmonton Public Library’s Banned Books Café at various EPL branches. Hear readings from challenged books join in discussions about censorship and your freedom to read. There are two Banned Books Cafés: 7 pm at Stanley A. Milner Library (Downtown), 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB; and 6:30 pm at Idylwylde Branch, 8310 - 88 Avenue, Edmonton, AB. Free. Edmonton, AB.
Web: www.epl.ca/freedom/portal.cfm

Friday, February 26, 2010  [Toronto, ON]

Child Soldier: Banned in Canada?
In celebration of Freedom to Read Week 2010, PEN Canada, in association with Toronto Public Library, presents Child Soldier: Banned in Canada? Orwellian language and our human rights obligations. A panel discussion with: Afua Cooper, scholar, author and poet; Mark Kingwell, philosopher and critic; Judy Rebick, social justice expert and activist; moderated by Carol Off, author and broadcaster. $10 at the door, all proceeds go to PEN Canada. 7:30 pm (doors open at 7 pm). Toronto Reference Library, Atrium, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON.
Contact: 416-393-7131.
Web: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/pro_2010_freedom_read.jsp

Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Lumby, BC]

Lumby United Church Freedom to Read Book Sale
Celebrate Freedom to Read Week at a used book sale. Any book you find that is on the "Challenged Book" list is free, and a photo with your new prized possession will be added to our collection. Funds raised go towards the future operations of the church. Donation drop-off Friday, February 26, 6-8 pm.. Free. 9 am-3 pm. Lumby United Church, Park Avenue and Vernon Street, Lumby, BC.
Contact: Nick Hodge at nhome@mofp.ca.

Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Winnipeg, AB]

Freedom to Read Marathon
This year, in collaboration with Manitoba Writers Guild, the Winnipeg Public Library is holding a Freedom to Read Marathon. From 10 am to 5 pm continuously on Saturday, February 27, members of the public are invited to read from banned or challenged literature. Free. 10 am-5 pm. Winnipeg Public Library, 251 Donald Street, Winnipeg, AB.
Contact: Danielle Pilon at 204-986-8386 or DPilon@winnipeg.ca.

Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Edmonton, AB]

Freedom Ball
What would freedom be without a party? Everyone is welcome to attend the Edmonton Public Library’s Freedom Ball. Come see/hear some of the best Freedom Challenge submissions and a performance by the People's Poets — three Edmonton emcees and one DJ who rap about social justice issues. All ages welcome. Free. No registration required.. 7 pm. The NEW Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB.
Web: www.epl.ca/freedom/portal.cfm

Saturday, February 27, 2010  [Saskatoon, SK]

Shhhhhhh! A Selection of Readings from Challenged Works
Join the Library, the Saskatchewan Writers Guild (SWG)and the University of Saskatchewan in affirming Saskatoon’s commitment to intellectual freedom during Freedom to Read Week 2010. The program will include readings by authors Mansel Robinson, Anne Simpson, Lisa Wilson, and Lori Tkachuk (Children’s Librarian) from a variety of challenged works. Hosted by Pam Bustin of the SWG. Free. 2 pm. Frances Morrison Library, 311 - 23rd Street East, Saskatoon, SK.
Contact: Pam Bustin at 306-955-5513 or saskatoon@skwriter.com.