This year, Freedom to Read Week (Feb 22-28) invites you to slow down and let curiosity lead: explore a book, follow a story, and see where it takes you. Reading isn't just about access to words on a page—it’s a chance to encounter new ideas, reflect on different perspectives, and connect with the world around you.
At Ottawa Public Library (OPL), intellectual freedom shapes everything we do. Our collections, programs, and spaces are designed to spark curiosity and open new perspectives. Take a book you wouldn’t normally choose, explore a program that challenges your thinking, or ask a question that leads somewhere unexpected. Here, every visit is an invitation to Connect with Curiosity.
Why Freedom to Read Matters
We asked our community why the freedom to read is important to them. Here’s what some readers had to say:
“The freedom to read is important to me because literacy = education, perception, and awareness.🖤 "
“Freedom to read allows us to explore different worldviews and learn about society.”
“Freedom to read is important because reading makes us more empathetic, thoughtful, and inquisitive.”
“Freedom to read is important to me because reading should be ACCESSIBLE. It allows us to gain empathy and knowledge about the human condition.”
“Freedom to read is important because it can help people see beyond themselves. People get to learn about experiences, lives, and cultures, and develop new worldviews!”
“Freedom to read and freedom of information is a central tenet of democracy. 👏❤️🙌 "
“Freedom to read is important to me because reading has always brought me happiness, and I believe everyone deserves to feel happiness by being lost in a book.”
“Freedom to read means that our diverse voices will be heard."
These reflections remind us that reading is not only a path to knowledge but also a gateway to empathy, curiosity, and understanding. When we have access to diverse voices and perspectives, we can think critically, question assumptions, and connect more deeply with the world and with each other.
Join Us for Freedom to Read Week Events
To celebrate, OPL is proud to offer two public events that bring these ideas to life, in partnership with Library and Archives Canada:
February 24 at 7:00 pm: OPL and Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will host Sébastien Pierroz for a French-language event as part of la Semaine de la liberté d’expression. This is an opportunity for francophone audiences to reflect on freedom of expression and the freedom to read in today’s world. Register to this event.
February 25 at 7:00 pm: OPL and LAC welcome Randy Boyagoda, writer, professor, and the University of Toronto’s Advisor on Civil Discourse. Randy will explore why civil discourse matters, and how intellectual freedom sustains it. His talk will highlight the unique role libraries play as spaces for dialogue, learning, and productive disagreement, supporting the pursuit of knowledge, the common good, and thoughtful engagement. Register to this event.
Let Curiosity Lead
Whether you browse the shelves, attend a program, or simply linger with a story that sparks your imagination, let your curiosity lead the way.