Freedom to Read Week 2026: Canadian libraries stand for free expression
Libraries across Canada are celebrating the 42nd annual Freedom to Read Week, taking place from February 22 to 28, 2026. This national campaign highlights the importance of freedom of expression, challenges censorship and encourages open access to diverse ideas and perspectives.
This year’s campaign imagery shows a reader navigating a maze of towering books—some chained and locked, symbolizing censorship and restricted access. A glowing key in the reader’s hand represents the freedom to read and to explore challenging ideas. It’s a beacon of curiosity and empowerment in an increasingly controlled landscape. The symbolism of locks and light emphasizes how intellectual freedom guides us toward a more informed society.
Among the activities on the agenda, Library and Archives Canada, in partnership with the Ottawa Public Library, invites you to celebrate Freedom to Read Week 2026 with two events:
- On February 24: Talking to each other: The importance of civil dialogue in an era of division
- On February 25: Thinking out loud together: Why civil discourse matters more than ever
You’re invited to learn more and get involved by visiting Freedom to Read to find all events and initiatives presented in libraries and communities across the country.