Intellectual Freedom

In its final report on challenges faced by Canadian libraries in 2025, the Centre for Free Expression presents data reported in 2025 by public, school, and academic libraries on demands for removal or relocation of materials in their collections; cancellation of their programs; concerns about exhibits and displays; and objections to making available library space to community groups. The most notable finding is that of the 502 such challenges reported in 2025, 360 were the result of an Order issued by Alberta's Minister of Education to all school authorities in the province for their school libraries to remove graphic novels for young adults he felt inappropriate because of sexual content -- despite them having been consistent with school board library policies and most being highly respected, award-winning books. This is the largest book ban in Canadian history.

What makes you feel unsafe? Do you feel threatened by a book – or by a picture in a book? Recently a children’s book in Manitoba was temporarily removed from a school division’s library shelves because some adults said it made them feel unsafe. They had no problem with the text which is a simple story of a child helping her grandmother prepare a special meal for the family.

Freedom to Read Week 2026 (February 22–28) is an occasion for reflection and for recognition at a time of increased demands for censorship. Across Canada, library leadership, librarians, paraprofessional staff, and library trustees have spent the past year doing the essential work that intellectual freedom depends on—often under scrutiny, and always in service of the public good.