Freedom to Read Week 2026

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to reflect on and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. A time to recognize that the freedom to read, write, and publish without restriction is a cornerstone of a democratic society.

The Freedom to Read movement has challenged the quiet removal of books from libraries and classrooms and has sparked important conversations about censorship in Canada. While some titles are questioned or challenged because of language, themes, or content, libraries remain committed to providing access to a broad range of perspectives and ideas. Access to diverse stories allows readers to think critically, build empathy, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

This year, we’re highlighting a selection of adult and children’s titles that have faced challenges in libraries and schools. Many of these books are widely taught, critically acclaimed, and deeply impactful, yet they have also been the subject of debate.

Adult Titles

• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
• This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
• The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler
• Blankets by Craig Thompson
• Lives of Girls and Women by Alice Munro

You may also recognize other frequently challenged titles available in our catalogue, including Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and Maus by Art Spiegelman.

Children Picture Books

• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
• Ziggy Piggy and the Three Little Pigs by Frank Asch
• Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
• Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
• Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
• My Moms Love Me by Anna Membrino

Books are often challenged because they address complex topics such as race, gender identity, 2SLGBTQIA+ families, politics, religion, or social justice. Yet these are the very conversations that help us grow as individuals and as a community.

We believe in the freedom to explore ideas, encounter different viewpoints, and make your own choices about what you read. Freedom to Read Week is a reminder that access to information matters, and that libraries play a vital role in protecting that access.

We invite you to:

• Borrow a challenged book
• Start a conversation about intellectual freedom
• Reflect on why access to diverse stories is important

Celebrate your right to read. Visit your local branch or explore our online catalogue to discover these titles and more.