“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
Article 19 of the United Nations’
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Libraries and the freedom to read
Some of the many books that are frequently challenged in schools and libraries.
Books about censorship and the freedom to read may be found in many secondary school libraries.
In Your School Library
Consult your school’s Library Catalogue to find books about censorship using the following suggested search terms:
- censorship
- challenged books
- banned books
- freedom of speech
Virtual Library Resources
Visit the Virtual Library – Secondary resource section. Global Issues In Context is a great resource:
Select:
Online Resources
- Freedom to Read:
- Website from the Canadian Book and Periodical Council, with resources for Freedom to Read Week.
Tell me more about Freedom to Read - Freedom to Read – Censorship in Canada:
- From the Canadian Book and Periodical Council.
Tell me more about Censorship in Canada - PEN Canada:
- “PEN Canada assists writers around the world who are persecuted for the peaceful expression of their ideas.”
Tell me more about Pen Canada - CBC News:
- When is it hate speech? 7 Significant Canadian cases
Tell me more about 7 significant hate speech cases. - CBC Digital Archives:
- Rich resource with video and audio clips from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s media archives. Use the search term censorship to find 28 relevant clips.
Let me find relevant video and audio clips - Constitutional Law of Canada
- A website created by Joseph E. Magnet, Professor of Law at the University of Ottawa.
Special Topics: Freedom of Expression in Canada.
Tell me more about constitutional law - Judy Blume Talks About Censorship:
- Several of Judy Blume’s books for children and young adults appear on the ALA’s most frequently challenged book list.
Read Judy Blume’s words - American Library Association:
- The American Library Association has many resources related to the freedom to read:
- National Coalition Against Censorship:
- An American coalition of non-profit organizations.
Tell me more about the National Coalition Against Censorship - Wikipedia:
- Content-control Software
Tell me more about content control software
