Your Library Corner: February’s Freedom to Read Week

Public service librarian Heather Lister is one of the many Stratford librarians – and Stratford readers – caught with the infamously banned book The Golden Compass during February’s Freedom to Read Week.

February is a month of celebration at the library – a celebration of stories, of diverse voices and of the fundamental freedom to read. Freedom to Read reminds us that libraries are more than places to borrow books; they are vital community spaces where curiosity is encouraged, critical thinking is supported and everyone has access to materials that reflect the full range of human experience.

At its heart, Freedom to Read is about ensuring that individuals can explore ideas freely, without censorship or barriers. It protects the right to encounter stories that inspire, challenge, comfort, provoke and expand our understanding of the world. As conversations about book challenges and intellectual freedom continue across North America, libraries remain steadfast in their commitment to openness, inclusion and access for all.

Freedom to Read Week: Feb. 22-28

That commitment is highlighted during Freedom to Read Week, Feb. 22-28. During this week, the Stratford Public Library is celebrating Freedom to Read with engaging displays of banned and challenged books, Freedom to Read buttons, and a selfie station where visitors can snap a photo with their favourite “challenged” title. The week also features a Freedom to Read trivia contest and a limitededition “Read Dangerously” library card.

Blind Date and Play Date with a Book

February is also an invitation to fall in love with reading all over again. Our Blind Date with a Book and Play Date with a Book offer surprise reads for adults and children. Wrapped in paper with only the first line revealed, each mystery book encourages readers to take a chance – with a prize draw ballot tucked inside for an extra bit of fun.

“Beat the Winter Blues” Happy Hour

To bring our community together during the winter season, we’re hosting a cozy February Happy Hour. Enjoy live local music, a hot chocolate bar, cookies and light literarythemed activities – all designed to offer warmth, connection and a fresh way to experience the library after hours.

Olympic fun for all ages

As a CBC Olympic Viewing Location, the library is buzzing with activity, including trivia, themed booklists, and scavenger hunts for kids and families – a fun way to cheer on Team Canada while enjoying shared community space.

A month – and a week – to explore freely

Freedom to Read is more than a single week on the calendar, but Freedom to Read Week (Feb. 22–28) gives us a dedicated moment to reaffirm this core library value. This February, we invite you to join us in celebrating the freedom to explore ideas, discover new perspectives and find the stories that speak to you – all year long.

For more information, visit https://splibrary.ca/.