Halton Hills Library (via Google Maps)
The Halton Hills Public Library (HHPL) is inviting residents to take part in Freedom to Read Week next week.
From Sunday, February 22nd to Saturday, February 28th, the national event will shine a spotlight on intellectual freedom and the right of Canadians to read, learn and explore ideas without restriction.
Observed annually across the country, Freedom to Read Week encourages Canadians to reflect on the value of access to diverse perspectives in libraries, schools and communities. At its core, the week reinforces a fundamental principle: individuals have the right to choose what they read, watch, listen to and learn – free from censorship.
Intellectual freedom means every person has the right to seek and receive information from all points of view. It includes the ability to ask questions, discover new ideas and access books and resources – even when those ideas may challenge beliefs or spark debate.
Libraries play a key role in protecting this freedom. By ensuring open access to a wide range of materials and viewpoints, they help foster understanding, creativity and informed public dialogue.
As part of this year’s programming, HHPL is partnering with the John Elliott Theatre to host a special screening of the documentary The Librarians.
The film examines how libraries across North America are responding to book challenges and censorship efforts, and why defending the freedom to read remains critically important.
That will be on Tuesday, February 24th, starting at 7:30 p.m., at the John Elliott Theatre in Georgetown. Tickets are available through the John Elliott Theatre Box Office.
Throughout the week, community members can also explore specially curated HHPL booklists, available both online and in-branch. Highlights include:
- Stand with the Banned – A collection of books that have been challenged or banned, offering insight into the stories and ideas that have sparked public debate
- Books About Book Challenges – Titles that explore censorship, intellectual freedom and how readers can help protect access to information
Freedom to Read Week is supported nationwide by libraries, publishers, booksellers, writers and readers who believe in the importance of safeguarding intellectual freedom.
For more details on local events and resources, click here.
If you have a news tip or story idea, you can now send us a heads up via email at:
- News1013@LocalRadio.ca (Milton)
- News1015@LocalRadio.ca (Orangeville)
- News92@LocalRadio.ca (South Simcoe)
- Rick.Sargent@LocalRadio.ca (Bolton)
If you’d like to get ahold of me personally, shoot me a message at Cameron.Wilkinson@LocalRadio.ca. We’re in the business of content creation, so no idea is a bad idea.
