The Prince George Public Library (PGPL) is celebrating 40 years of Freedom to Read Week.
Freedom to Read Week serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering an environment where individuals can explore a wide range of perspectives and information without censorship.
The national event is led by the Partnership of Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, the Ontario Library Association and the Book and Periodical Council.
With 2024 being the 40th anniversary of Freedom to Read Week, the PGPL has created a collection of larger than life book covers, with titles taken from documented Canadian book challenges, historic book burnings, and lists such as Pen America’s Most Challenged Books 2022-2023.
The book cover images include a brief note outlining why each title was selected for the display.
“The threat of censorship and the attempts to prevent books and their ideas from being accessible to the public are on the rise throughout Canada” said Library Director Paul Burry.
“It’s important that our community members are aware of these issues and have an opportunity to voice their support.”
Freedom to Read Week runs until February 24th.