As book bans continue to surge in the U.S., Ontario librarians are preparing for similar challenges at home. A recent study by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations found that nearly half of book challenges in Canadian libraries last year targeted 2SLGBTQ+ content—up from just 10% in 2019.
Librarians across the country are using Freedom to Read Week to highlight the importance of protecting access to diverse stories and ideas. Many fear that growing censorship efforts could not only restrict what’s available on library shelves but also deter future librarians from entering the profession.
While large-scale book banning campaigns haven’t yet taken hold in Canada the way they have in the U.S., the pressure to remove books is increasing. Ontario libraries are taking a stand by strengthening policies on intellectual freedom and ensuring that books remain accessible to all readers.
Now, more than ever, libraries must defend the right to read.
Read the full article here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-librarians-take-action-book-banning-u-s-1.7470332