INNISFIL, ON (October 4, 2023) The first week of October is Banned Books Week, an annual awareness campaign that celebrates the freedom to read. This week, Innisfil ideaLAB & Library is proud to introduce their new Book Sanctuary Collection. The Collection features more than fifty adult, teen, and children’s books, a combination of physical and digital formats, that have been challenged, censored, or removed from a public library or school in North America.
Find the Book Sanctuary display at the Lakeshore Branch (967 Innisfil Beach Road) and view a selection of the collection online. Follow the Library’s social media channels all month long for special staff picks highlighting books from the Book Sanctuary Collection.
The Book Sanctuary, an initiative launched by the Chicago Public Library in 2022, raises awareness around ongoing challenges to freedom of information. There are over 1,500 Book Sanctuaries across North America. Through this program, Innisfil ideaLAB & Library is committed to highlighting the importance of preserving diverse voices and perspectives. The collection includes fiction, non-fiction, picture books, and graphic novels. Visitors to the Library will have the opportunity to explore these titles and learn more about the reasons behind the challenges. By providing access to a wide range of materials, resources, and programs the library supports intellectual freedom; allowing individuals to explore and learn about a variety of topics, even controversial or unpopular ones. The initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of the value of open access to information.
The Library is excited to continue to celebrate the power of words and language with a special event in partnership with UPlift Black. Words Matter will take place at the Lakeshore Branch on Saturday, October 14 from 6pm to 9pm, is designed to showcase the profound impact of language on our thoughts and actions. For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.innisfilidealab.ca/wordsmatter.
For more information about the Book Sanctuary Collection and intellectual freedom, please visit www.innisfilidealab.ca/book-sanctuary.