From February 23 to March 1, join the Library in celebrating Freedom to Read Week—a time to recognize and uphold the right to access diverse ideas, stories, and perspectives. Like public libraries across Canada, OPL is dedicated to promoting intellectual freedom and fostering critical thinking by ensuring access to a broad range of viewpoints.
At OPL, intellectual freedom is at the core of everything we do. We believe in creating spaces where open discussions and diverse perspectives thrive, ensuring everyone has the right to explore new ideas and challenge their thinking.
By championing intellectual freedom, we protect your right to read, learn, and discover.
Join the Conversation
To spark meaningful discussions on intellectual freedom, we’re hosting a series of special events throughout the week.
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Upholding Intellectual Freedom in Libraries, a Balancing Act, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 7 pm with Mathilde Barraband (in French)
Join Mathilde Barraband, literature professor at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, to Library and Archives Canada, for a discussion with Catherine Lachaîne, librarian at the University of Ottawa, about protecting intellectual freedom in libraries: Do all ideas and information have a place in libraries? Should everyone have access to everything? Mathilde Barraband will reflect on the central role that libraries play in our democracies and the complex issue selection and weeding library collections. This event is offered in French only. However, simultaneous interpretation in English will be available. -
The Freedom to Read Graphically: A (Brief) History of Comics Censorship on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 7 pm with Amie Wright (in English)
Despite being wildly popular today, comics and graphic novels have faced—and continue to face - challenges in schools and libraries. Learn how historical restrictions shaped modern-day fandoms and find out why these illustrated gems remain some of the most frequently challenged materials. This event is offered in English only. -
CANCELED: Radio-Canada workshop x Freedom to Read Week on Saturday, March 1st, at Cumberland branch
Teens aged 13 to 17 will take part in a unique experience with Radio-Canada, where they will collaborate with Radio-Canada hosts to create their own journalistic reports, gaining hands-on experience in reporting, storytelling, and broadcasting. This event is offered in French only.
Let’s read, think, and write freely—together.