The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast
In these turbulent times, many of us have been motivated to reflect on some of the many reasons we are fortunate to be Canadian. One of these reasons will be nationally celebrated from Feb. 26 to March 4: Freedom to Read Week. The Canadian Library Association Statement on Intellectual Freedom asserts that all persons in Canada have the fundamental right, as embodied in the nation’s Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, to have access to all expressions of knowledge, creativity and intellectual activity, and to express their thoughts publicly. This right to intellectual freedom, under the law, is essential to the health and development of Canadian society.
It is the responsibility of libraries to guarantee and facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity, including those which some elements of society may consider to be unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable. To this end, libraries shall acquire and make available the widest variety of materials. At the Gibsons and District Public Library, we strive to protect intellectual freedom and to ensure our patrons have easy access to a diverse range of resources
We will also be reflecting on our Canadian identity, as we begin a series of events to celebrate Canada 150. On Wednesday, March 1 at 6pm, join us for Memories of a Canadian Childhood, as three local speakers will share their diverse stories of growing up in different parts of this great country.
Other upcoming programs include a free legal self help workshop with Alison Sawyer on Wednesday, Feb. 22 for people with non-family civil legal issues. Our Tween Book Club and Dogs in the Library program have just started up, and innovative programs for youth will be provided during March Break. Free Income Tax Clinics will run every Friday afternoon through March and April.
Check our website for information, or call the library at 604-886-2130.
