Ever consider you might not be able to pick up that book that all your friends are raving about? Ever shake your head at the book burnings of the past? These things are still happening today, even in our own backyards.
The Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee organizes Freedom to Read Week, “an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Freedom to read can never be taken for granted. Even in Canada, a free country by world standards, books and magazines are banned at the border. Books are removed from the shelves in Canadian libraries, schools and bookstores every day. Free speech on the Internet is under attack. Few of these stories make headlines, but they affect the right of Canadians to decide for themselves what they choose to read.”
You can get involved! There are numerous events taking place throughout the country, as well as opportunities for you to make a difference. Set up a local event, contact your local government, make people aware by speaking out loud about what isn’t being said!
Go to www.freedomtoread.ca to get more information on what’s happening and where. If you don’t speak out, who will?
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one comment
Hello Liz.
We here at the Book and Periodical Council are compiling a record of events and articles written about Freedom to Read Week and we'd love to add your editorial to our collection.
If you don't mind, can you please forward your February 20 editors' blog to our e-mail address?
Many thanks in advance.
Regards,
Matt.
Posted by matt
March 9, 2006, 4:24 PM
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