Events

Tuesday, January 31, 2012–Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Coaldale, AB]

Display of Challenged Books
The Coaldale Public Library has created a large display of challenged books. Free. Coaldale Public Library, 2014 18 Street, Coaldale, AB.
Contact: 403-345-1340.
Web: www.coaldalelibrary.ca

Wednesday, February 01, 2012–Wednesday, February 29, 2012  [Corner Brook, NL]

Banned Art Video Contest
The Corner Brook Public Library and CornerBrooker.com invite youth aged 15-18 to create a short, 1-3 minute film inspired by a piece of banned art. Prizes will be awarded for some of the best films. All entries will be screened at the Corner Brook Public Library on Saturday, March 3 at 1pm, the top 3 entries will be featured on CornerBrooker.com, and the grand prize winner will receive a selection of previously banned books! Free. Corner Brook Public Library, 4 West Street, Corner Brook, NL.
Contact: 709-634-0013 or f2rvideocontest@gmail.com.
Web: cornerbrooker.com/2012/02/freedom-to-read-corner-brook-library-contest/

Wednesday, February 01, 2012–Wednesday, February 29, 2012  [Kamloops, BC]

Guess the Banned Book contest
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District Library System is celebrating Freedom to Read Week with a Guess the Banned Book Contest. From February 1-29 come in to your local branch and read the clues given for three books that have been challenged or banned. Fill out an entry form with the title of one of the books, and at the end of the month a winner will be drawn at each branch. Kamloops, BC.
Contact: Kamloops Library at 250-372-5145.
Web: tnrd.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentDisplay.aspx?ID=61060&Original=1

Saturday, February 04, 2012–Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Vancouver, BC]

Display of Controversial Books
Join UBC Library as it celebrates the freedom to read with an exhibit of banned and controversial books. The exhibition takes place from February 4-14 on the second-floor foyer of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, and from February 15 to March 3 on the second floor of Koerner Library. Free. Koerner Library, 1958 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC.
Web: www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca/programs-and-services/lecturereading-series/freedom-to-read-month

Tuesday, February 07, 2012–Thursday, February 23, 2012  [Peterborough, ON]

Think Globally, View Locally
As we lead up to Freedom to Read Week, the Peterborough Public Library is proud to present our film series: "Think Globally, View Locally." Join us in February as we present documentaries and feature films for children and adults which will raise awareness about critical social or environmental issues. Free admission to the auditorium. Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. North, Peterborough, ON.
Web: www.peterborough.library.on.ca/Assets/Library+Assets/Documents/Adults/Think+Globally+View+Locally.pdf

Thursday, February 09, 2012  [Toronto, ON]

Reading Boccaccio
One of the most challenged books of all time. Boccaccio's Decameron was banned in Italy starting in 1497. University of Toronto professor Jenna Sunkenberg of St. Michael's College will explore the social and political environment into which Boccaccio launched his hundred variously racy and pious stories set during the plague years in Italy. Please register in person or by phone. Free. 6:30 pm. Deer Park library, 40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON.
Contact: 416-393-7657.

Monday, February 20, 2012–Saturday, March 03, 2012  [London, ON]

The University of Western Ontario Bookstore: Get Ready to Celebrate Freedom to Read Week!
Come in store to see our display of "Challenged Books" recent, and past. Free. University Community Centre, Lower Level, London, ON.
Contact: 519-661-3520.
Web: www.facebook.com/thebookstoreatwestern

Monday, February 20, 2012–Tuesday, March 06, 2012  [Regina, SK]

Banned Book Display
The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (SIAST) will be displaying a showcase of books from their collection that are frequently challenged. Free. SIAST Wascana Campus Library, 4500 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK.
Web: www.gosiast.com/libraries

Tuesday, February 21, 2012–Tuesday, March 06, 2012  [Ottawa, ON]

Display of Challenged Books
The St-Laurent Branch of the Ottawa Public Library is planning a display of challenged books. Free. Ottawa Public Library, St-Laurent Branch, 515 rue Côté Street, Ottawa, ON.

Friday, February 24, 2012–Sunday, February 26, 2012  [Salt Spring Island, BC]

"Words without Borders" Festival
Words without Borders celebrates writing that breaks down boundaries of all sorts. It’s about challenging taboos, and using literature to speak truth to power. It’s about writers who bring the voices of marginalized people into the mainstream. It’s about bridging the gap between generations through poetry. It’s about bringing stories of heroism and suffering that take place far beyond our borders into the public conversation. Salt Spring Island, BC.
Contact: Chris Oke, Festival Coordinator at 250-221-0677 or chris@saltspringforum.ca.

Saturday, February 25, 2012  [Sunderland, ON]

Banned/Challenged Book Bonanza
The Brock Township Public Library would like to invite everyone to our Freedom to Read week event. It kicks off Saturday, Feb 25th at 11:30 am. To get you thinking about intellectual freedom we will be reading from three of the banned books and discussing the reasons why. Coffee, tea, cupcakes and cookies will be supplied. The cookies and cupcakes will be freedom to read yellow and red! These challenged books will be on display all week for you to sign out. Free. 11:30 am. Brock Township Public Library, Sunderland Branch, 41 Albert Street South, Sunderland, ON.
Contact: jenniferverwey@brocklibraries.ca.
Web: www.brocklibraries.ca

Sunday, February 26, 2012–Thursday, January 26, 2012  [Winnipeg, MB]

Reading of Banned Texts
The Manitoba Writers' Guild will be hosting an afternoon of readings from banned texts. If you are interested in participating by giving a ten-minute reading from a banned text, please contact us. Free. 1-5 pm. Millennium Library, 251 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB.
Contact: The Manitoba Writers' Guild at 204-944-8013 or info@mbwriter.mb.ca.
Web: www.mbwriter.mb.ca

Sunday, February 26, 2012–Friday, March 02, 2012  [Toronto, ON]

Guess the Banned Book Contest
Harbord Collegiate Institute Library will once again be running a GUESS THE BANNED BOOK contest. This year's selection will be wrapped in plain newsprint and chained, then put on display in the library. During the week various clues will be announced over the PA system with the draw for the winning ballot taking place on the last school day of Freedom to Read Week - Friday, March 2. The correct entry holder will receive a gift certificate to a book store. In addition, a collection of banned and challenged books will be on display in the library during the week Free. Harbord Collegiate Institute Library, 2nd Floor, 286 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON.
Contact: Lydia Perovic at 416-393-1655 ext. 20020.

Sunday, February 26, 2012–Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Innisfil, ON]

Challenged Books Released into the Wild
Canadians don't realize how many books are challenged each year. Celebrate freedom of expresion with Innisfil Public Library during the weeks leading up to Freedom To Read Week, Feb. 26-Mar. 3, as we release challenged books throughout the municipality - in grocery stores and malls, in coffee shops and in schools - in order to raise awareness about censorship in Canada. Watch the video and then visit bookcrossing.com to find these rogue titles and comment on their adventures. Innisfil, ON.
Web: www.innisfil.library.on.ca/freedom-to-read-2012

Sunday, February 26, 2012–Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Ottawa, ON]

Display of Banned Books
The Blackburn Hamlet library will be having a display for Freedom to Read Week of banned books. Free. Ottawa Public Library, Blackburn Hamlet branch, 199 promenade Glen Park Drive, Ottawa, ON.

Sunday, February 26, 2012–Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Ottawa, ON]

Display of Challenged Children’s Books
The children’s department of the Alta Vista branch of the Ottawa Public Library is preparing a large Freedom to Read display featuring posters and challenged children’s books. Ottawa Public Library, Alta Vista branch, Ottawa, ON.

Sunday, February 26, 2012–Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Ottawa, ON]

Display of Censored Material
The Carlingwood Branch of OPL is planning a large display of censored, banned and challenged material. Ottawa Public Library, Carlingwood branch, 281 Woodroffe, Ottawa, ON.

Sunday, February 26, 2012–Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Woodbridge, ON]

UNESCO "Freedom of Expression in Broad Strokes" Cartoon Exhibit
To coincide with Freedom to Read Week, Vaughan Public Libraries presents this traveling editorial cartoon exhibit from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. This international exhibit uses satire, humour and caricature to showcase journalistic freedom of expression and freedom of the press around the world. The exhibit will then travel to Millenium Artplace in St. John, NB (March 7-28), before heading to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris France for the month of April. Free. Pierre Berton Resource Library, 4921 Rutherford Road, Woodbridge, ON.
Contact: 905-653-7323.
Web: www.ccwpf-cclpm.ca/exhibit

Monday, February 27, 2012  [Kingston, ON]

Freedom-to-Read-a-thon
The Kingston Frontenac Public Library will be holding a Freedom to Read-a-thon at their Central Library to kick off the week. Beginning at 9:00 am on Monday, February 27th volunteers (including City Councillors, authors and other passionate about books) will read aloud from various challenged materials. Free. Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Central Branch, 130 Johnson Street, Kingston, ON.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012  [Toronto, ON]

Censored Then and Now: The Politics of News Media from WWII to the Digital Age
An official BPC Freedom to Read Week event: journalist/author Mark Bourrie (The Fog of War) in conversation with author/activist Susan Swan (The Wives of Bath) about the past and present of political censorship in the Canadian news media censorship.Also on the agenda: The Writers’ Union of Canada announces the recipient of the 2011 Freedom to Read Award. Free. 6:30-8:30 pm, with reception to follow. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON.
Contact: Book and Periodical Council at publicity@thebpc.ca.
Web: www.thebpc.ca

Tuesday, February 28, 2012  [Montreal, QC]

Table ronde du CQRLJ: Censure et littérature jeunesse (16 ans +)
Cinq spécialistes sont invitées à s'exprimer sur des ouvres « rebelles » du corpus jeunesse. Avec Alice Liénard, consultante en littérature jeunesse, Réjane Gourin, animatrice, Nathalie Guimont, agente de développement en milieu défavorisé, Élise Gravel, créatrice de Nunuche et Isabelle Jameson, bibliothécaire jeunesse. Public cible: 16 ans et plus. Gratuit. Réservez vos places. 19 h 00 - 20 h 30. Grande Bibliothèque, Théâtre Inimagimô, Activité hors série du CQRLJ, Montreal, QC.
Web: http://www.banq.qc.ca/activites/itemdetail.html?language_id=3&calItemId=71777

Wednesday, February 29, 2012  [Windsor, ON]

Voices of Today
Voices of Today is a one-night celebration of freedom of expression coordinated by students from two Windsor high schools: Assumption College Catholic High School and Kennedy Collegiate Institute. On February 29, 2012 at 6:00pm, Katzman Lounge (located at the University of Windsor) will be transformed into a gallery of student work and a forum for discussion on an issue that is vital to our democracy. Students will express their collective voices through creative writing, visual art, photography, song writing, multimedia performances, spoken word, and round-table discussions. The public is invited to speak with these students about their work and contribute to the ongoing conversations. Susan Holbrook, a Windsor poet and English professor at the University of Windsor, is the guest speaker of the evening. Free. 6:00 pm. Vanier Hall (Katzman Lounge), University of Windsor, Windsor, ON.
Contact: Micheal Laverty at lavertym@uwindsor.ca.
Web: www.freedom2readwindsor.wordpress.com

Wednesday, February 29, 2012  [Ottawa, ON]

Censored Out Loud 2012!
Ottawa Tonite is working in collaboration with volunteers from the Ottawa Public Library, local writers, singer-songwriters, VerseFest Ottawa, and The Gladstone Theatre as well members of the Ottawa theatre community to hold a benefit night on Wednesday, February 29th to raise funds for PEN Canada — and celebrate freedom of expression. **It will be a night of variety and potential profanity, so bring your open-mind and prepare to exercise your FREEDOM. The late night event (10pm-12am) will consist of readings from censored works, musical performances of banned songs and scenes from plays that have been deemed 'inappropriate' or challenged. There is a cover charge of $10 at the door (or PWYC) and proceeds are going to PEN Canada, an association of writers formed in 1926 to defend freedom of expression and raise awareness of that Universal right. Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa, ON. **It will be a night of variety and potential profanity, so bring your open-mind and prepare to exercise your FREEDOM. Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa, ON.
Web: www.ottawatonite.com

Wednesday, February 29, 2012  [Antigonish, NS]

Explore Freedom to Read!
The public are invited to join Marjorie Kildare for an open discussion on Banned Books and Censorship in recognition of Freedom to Read Week. Challenged books from the library’s collection will be on display. Free. 2:00-6:00 pm. The People’s Place, Antigonish Town and County Library, Antigonish, NS.
Contact: 902-863-4276.
Web: www.parl.ns.ca

Wednesday, February 29, 2012  [Calgary, AB]

Freedom to Read Week Presentation
Join WordFest and the Writers Guild of Alberta to celebrate Freedom to Read Week with special presentations from Richard Wagamese, one of Canada’s foremost Native authors and storytellers, and award-winning journalist Valerie Fortney, followed by an in-conversation segment on the internal and external factors of censorship that writers deal with today. Please RSVP to Samantha Warwick at swarwick@writersguild.ab.ca by February 24. Richard Wagamese is one of Canada’s foremost Aboriginal authors and journalists with a career spanning 30 years. He has written several books, including Keeper’n Me and One Native Life, a collection of essays. Wagamese’s latest book, Indian Horse, will be released in 2012. Wagamese is an Ojibway from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in North-western Ontario and currently resides in Kamloops, BC. Valerie Fortney (CAN) is a veteran Canadian journalist with a successful career in broadcasting, magazines and newspapers. Fortney’s writing has appeared across North America and around the world, in publications such as Chatelaine, The Los Angeles Times and Readers Digest International. She has worked at the Calgary Herald since 1988 and recently released her first book, Sunray. Free. 7-10 pm. The Barley Mill Pub, 201 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, AB.
Contact: Media Inquiries - Mary Kapusta, WordFest Marketing Manager at 403-237-9068 or mkapusta@wordfest.com.
Web: www.wordfest.com

Thursday, March 01, 2012  [Vernon, BC]

Ban This Bracelet
Celebrate Freedom to Read Week by making a bracelet with covers of banned books. You’ll be able to show off your love of reading with bookish jewelry after this workshop! Free. 7 pm. Vernon Branch of Okanagan Regional Library, 3001 32 Avenue, Vernon, BC.
Contact: 250-542-7610 ext 1309 or svollick@orl.bc.ca.
Web: www.orl.bc.ca/branches/vernon?event_id=1226

Thursday, March 01, 2012  [Etobicoke, ON]

Censorship workshops
he Etobicoke School of the Arts will be holding a series of workshops for grade 11 and 12 students, hosted by local archivist Pearce J. Carefoote, author of Forbidden Fruit: Banned, Censored, and Challenged Books from Dante to Harry Potter. Carefoote will be will be working with each class to discuss the general issues involved in censorship, and then address specific areas relating to the subject matter of each course. Etobicoke, ON.

Thursday, March 01, 2012  [Edmonton, AB]

A Conversation with Novelist Greg Hollingshead and Edmonton Journal Columnist Paula Simons
Renowned author Greg Hollingshead joins one of his former writing students and Edmonton Journal columnist Paula Simons for a conversation on her experiences as a local journalist who has received both acclaim and criticism for her columns. The two literary personalities will also discuss how Freedom to Read Week is connected with freedom of expression, as well as challenges both novelists and journalists face once their work is published. There will be time reserved for questions and socializing at the end of the discussion. Presented by the Canadian Literature Centre and the Writers Guild of Alberta. Please RSVP to www.eventbrite.com/event/2769681191. Free. 7-9 pm. Law Centre 231/237, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
Contact: 780-422-8175 or nquiring@writersguild.ab.ca.
Web: www.arts.ualberta.ca/clc/

Friday, March 02, 2012  [Calgary, AB]

Language and Politics: Orwell’s World and Ours: An evening with David Barsamian
Language is central in framing and informing political debate and in shaping public opinion. Join David Barsamian, founder of Alternative Radio, as he helps to celebrate Freedom to Read Week. David will look at the ongoing relevance of some of Orwell’s concerns, particularly the use of euphemisms and the passive voice, as they relate to the world of contemporary journalism and reporting. Free. 7:00-8:30 pm. John Dutton Theatre, Calgary Public Library Central Library, 616 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB.
Web: www.calgarypubliclibrary.com

Friday, March 02, 2012  [Toronto, ON]

Right Angles: Freedom of Expression and the Conservative Mind — PEN Canada Panel Discussion
Does mainstream media have a liberal bias? Does polarized news coverage help or harm the public sphere? Has the rise of conservative media given voice to a silenced group, or made the discussion of general subjects unnecessarily adversarial? Join PEN Canada and panelists, David Akin, Barbara Kay, Christopher Hume and Marci McDonald for what will be a lively discussion. Moderated by John Lorinc. $10 suggested donation (at the door). 7-9 pm (doors open at 6:30). Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON.
Web: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM92879&R=92879

Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Edmonton, AB]

War of the Words: Language and Politics - EPL welcomes Alternative Radio’s David Barsamian
Reports in the corporate media reveal another victim of U.S. imperial policy: language. The use of words is a powerful tool in shaping public opinion. In military briefings repeated by the media, we have "collateral damage" instead of civilian deaths. Designated enemies are ruled by "hardliners" while we have leaders. They launch "aggressive" wars while we "defend" ourselves. Euphemisms make the bloody reality of war a more palatable sell to the public. Join EPL in welcoming David Barsamian – award-winning founder, director and host of Alternative Radio, the independent weekly talk radio series heard around the world – to close out Freedom to Read Week 2012. 7 pm. Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre, Free, Edmonton, AB.
Contact: Richard Thornley at rthornley@epl.ca.
Web: www.epl.ca/freedomtoread

Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Saskatoon, SK]

Censorship: A Global Perspective
In many parts of the world writers are silenced through imprisonment, torture or death merely for expressing their views. Writer in Residence Yvette Nolan will direct a dramatization of a selection of challenged works of literature. Various mediums, including live Twitter feeds, will also be used to highlight global issues and present a thought-provoking program on censorship. Presented in partnership with Sage Hill Writing Experience, the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, and Pen Canada. This program contains mature subject matter. Free. 2 pm. Frances Morrison Library – The Gallery, 311 – 23rd Street East, Saskatoon, SK.
Contact: 306-975-7566.
Web: www.saskatoonlibrary.ca

Saturday, March 03, 2012  [Red Deer, AB]

Freedom to Read Week Read-a-thon!
Come in your comfiest clothes (or PJs!), bring a fuzzy blanket and a pillow, and curl up by the fireplace with a stack of your favorite books and read the afternoon away! Snacks will be provided. Plus, free a challenged book! Choose a book from the list of challenged literature to release into the community. Free, All ages welcome. 12:30-4:30 pm. Dawe Branch, Red Deer Public Library, 56 Holt Street, Red Deer, AB.
Contact: 403-341-3822.
Web: www.rdpl.org

Sunday, March 04, 2012  [Calgary, AB]

Freedom to Read Presentations and Dialogue
Join the Calgary Council of Christians and Jews for presentations and a dialogue with Janet Keeping, President, Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership and Dr. Kori Street, Director of Programs, USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education. Canadian Delegate, Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Research and Remembrance. Critical thinking skills are crucial in the struggle against hateful thinking and whether or not Holocaust deniers should be removed from book shelves. Tickets: $12.00, Students $5.00. Please reserve by Friday, March 2. 2:00-5:00 pm. St. Gerards Church, 8944 Elbow Dr. SW, Calgary, AB.
Contact: 403-239-6811.
Web: www.cccj-ab.org/coming_up.html