Celebrating Freedom to Read Week: Why your right to read matters

Every year, Freedom to Read Week reminds us why access to books, ideas, and diverse perspectives is so important. 

Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or just someone who enjoys the occasional bestseller, this week is a time to reflect on the power of stories and the importance of intellectual freedom.

What is Freedom to Read Week?

Freedom to Read Week takes place from February 23 to March 1, 2025. It is an annual event in Canada that highlights the importance of free expression and the right to access information. 

Freedom to Read Week was created to bring awareness to censorship issues and book challenges that still happen today. While we might think of book banning as something from the past, many titles are still contested in schools and libraries across the country. 

The goal of this week is to encourage open discussions about why certain books are challenged and to advocate for the right to read without restriction.

Why does it matter?

Books have the power to inform, inspire, and challenge the way we think. When books are restricted, so are ideas, perspectives, and important conversations. 

History has shown that some of the most influential books were once banned or challenged — think To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, and The Handmaid’s Tale. 

Today, books that address race, gender, identity, and history continue to face pushback. Protecting the freedom to read ensures that we continue to learn, grow, and engage with diverse viewpoints.

The importance of local libraries

Public libraries offer unparalleled free access to books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials. This is essential in creating an equitable, accessible, and informed society. Throughout history, people have challenged certain titles, looking to limit public access to these materials in libraries, bookstores, and schools.

The Barrie Public Library endorses the Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries adopted by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations. This statement recognizes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as the guarantor of fundamental freedoms, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media, regardless of frontiers. 

The library actively works to reflect the diverse perspectives of its community through its collections and programming, ensuring that intellectual freedom remains protected and celebrated.

How you can get involved

Freedom to Read Week isn’t just about awareness — it’s also about action. Here are a few ways you can take part:

• Read a Challenged Book: Find a list of frequently banned or challenged books and read one! Many libraries highlight these during the week.
• Support Your Local Library: Libraries are on the front lines of defending the right to read. Borrow books, attend events, and show appreciation for your librarians.
• Join the Conversation: Use social media to talk about why reading freely is important. Share your favorite banned books or discuss why intellectual freedom matters.
• Encourage Young Readers: If you have kids or younger family members, talk to them about the importance of reading different perspectives and forming their own opinions.

Books to Read for Freedom to Read Week

One of the best ways to celebrate Freedom to Read Week is by exploring books that have been challenged or censored in the past. These titles push boundaries, spark conversation, and offer diverse perspectives that deserve to be read and discussed.

The Barrie Public Library recommends the following books:

Adult Books

Here are just some of the books for adults that have been challenged:

📖 Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

A deeply personal graphic memoir that explores family dynamics, identity, and sexuality, Fun Home has been challenged for its LGBTQ+ themes and candid storytelling. Bechdel’s powerful narrative makes it an essential read for Freedom to Read Week.

📖 The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

This classic novel examines race, beauty standards, and systemic oppression through the eyes of a young Black girl in America. Frequently challenged for its discussions of racism and abuse, Morrison’s debut novel is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and self-worth.

📖 A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A popular fantasy novel with themes of empowerment, trauma recovery, and resilience, this book has been challenged due to its mature content. Maas’s gripping storytelling and strong female protagonist make it a compelling read.

📖 Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

A groundbreaking graphic memoir about gender identity and self-discovery, Gender Queer has faced bans and restrictions, making it one of the most frequently challenged books in recent years. Its honest portrayal of nonbinary identity is essential for fostering understanding and inclusivity.

📖 The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr

This heartfelt novel about family, healing, and second chances has been challenged for its discussions on mental health and complex relationships. Carr’s work highlights the importance of compassion and resilience.

Teen Books

If you're looking for a challenged book for teens to help your kids better understand the importance of Freedom to Read Week, check out these books.

📖 Let's Talk About It by Erika Moen

A candid and educational graphic novel about relationships, consent, and sexuality, this book has been challenged for its open discussions on sensitive topics, making it a valuable resource for young readers.

📖 The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This beloved coming-of-age novel tackles mental health, trauma, and identity. Often challenged for its depictions of tough topics, it remains a powerful read for teens navigating adolescence.

📖 Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

A darkly humorous yet poignant novel about friendship, mortality, and filmmaking, this book has been challenged for its unfiltered language and themes. Its raw honesty makes it a unique and impactful read.

📖 Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

This popular graphic novel series explores LGBTQ+ relationships, friendship, and mental health. Challenged for its LGBTQ+ themes, Heartstopper is an essential story about love and self-acceptance.

📖 Loveless by Alice Oseman

A beautifully written novel about asexuality and the journey to self-discovery, Loveless challenges societal expectations about love and relationships, making it an important addition to this list.

Children’s Books

Children books are also regularly banned or challenged. Here are some titles you can read together this week ...

📖 Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder

A joyful celebration of body diversity, this book encourages self-love and inclusivity. Often challenged for its positive depictions of different body types, it is a must-read for kids learning about body positivity.

📖 Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill

This charming LGBTQ+ fairy tale about two princesses finding love has been challenged for its representation of same-sex relationships. It’s a beautiful, affirming story that promotes acceptance.

📖 Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg

A thoughtful and inclusive book about bodies, gender, and consent, this title has been challenged for its frank discussions on sexuality. It’s a valuable resource for parents and kids alike.

📖 Golden Girl by Reem Faruqi

A novel about friendship, cultural identity, and personal integrity, Golden Girl has been noted for its discussions on faith and societal expectations. It’s a powerful story for young readers.

📖 No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen

This middle-grade novel tackles homelessness and poverty with compassion and humor. Often challenged for addressing difficult topics, it’s a meaningful read that fosters empathy and awareness.

For more book recommendations, visit the Barrie Public Library’s website: Freedom to Read Week.

Go ahead … read!

Reading should never be a privilege—it’s a right. Freedom to Read Week is a reminder that access to information shapes who we are as individuals and as a society. So whether you pick up a controversial novel, support your local library, or simply appreciate the books on your shelf, take a moment to celebrate the freedom to read.