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The Okotoks Public Library is excited to participate in “Freedom to Read” once again and encourage our patrons and the community to learn more about censorship and what it can mean to them.

By proclaiming a “Freedom to Read Week” we focus on exactly what that means and we are informed having such freedom has not always been the case. Indeed, books are still being challenged in our country every day and our citizens should be aware of this. Bringing such a provocative subject into ordinary conversations among friends and family can go a long way toward further understanding about this controversial topic. Enjoying and celebrating “Freedom to Read” is something we all can feel good about.

This year we are showing our support for Freedom to Read Week by releasing a handful of “challenged” books into the community and conducting a survey in the library and on our website to get your opinions about censorship.

The Okotoks Public Library is asking for your support with our Free a Challenged Book Challenge.

Most Canadians probably don’t even realize on their own shelves sit challenged books. During Freedom to Read Week, your mission is to release challenged books around your community — on park benches, in coffee shops and in schools — as a way to mimic how challenged books are passed around and to spread the word about challenged and banned books in Canada.

The Freedom of Expression Committee invites you to find a title you care about from the list of challenged literature and release it into your community. Perhaps someone in your community will pick up your book or maybe even by a foreign visitor who will release it in another country — that’s the beauty of this project and our hope for your freed book.

Interested? Get started by visiting the Okotoks Public Library or viewing the instructions on our website.

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