Book Sanctuary

What is a book sanctuary?

In response to recent challenges to materials in libraries across North America, some public libraries have been declaring themselves "Book Sanctuaries", a movement that began in September 2022 when the Chicago Public Library declared themselves a space for endangered stories and called for others to do the same. A Book Sanctuary is a physical or digital space that actively protects the freedom to read. It provides shelter and access to “endangered” books, and can be created by anyone and can exist anywhere – in a library, a classroom, a coffee shop corner, a community center, public park, or even on social media.

Find out more about how you can get involved in the Book Sanctuary Movement.

Intellectual Freedom

Ottawa Public Library (OPL) supports intellectual curiosity and enquiry. One of OPL’s core values is to support intellectual freedom: the free and open exchange of lawful information and ideas in a democratic society, respecting individual’s rights to privacy and choice. 

The Library is a resource where many points of view and modes of expression can be examined without hindrance. OPL recognizes the right of individuals to express opposition to items selected for the library. While people have the right to reject for themselves items of which they do not approve, they do not have the right to restrict the freedom of others.

The OPL values and adheres to both the Canadian Federation of Library Association’s and Ontario Library Association’s position statements on Intellectual Freedom, with respect to materials selection, as further confirmed in the Board’s position statement on Intellectual Freedom. The presence of material in the Library does not indicate an endorsement of its content; it is an affirmation of the principle of intellectual freedom. All of our materials are selected in accordance with our Content Services Framework.