Freedom to Read Week marks its fortieth anniversary this year. The annual campaign aims to educate the public about book and magazine access as well as censorship issues.

The Estevan Public Library commemorates Freedom to Read Week by showcasing banned books. 

"Our goal at the library is to ensure these books are accessible. People can borrow them, read them, and form their own opinions," stated Jason Redshaw, manager of the Estevan Public Library.

Books have historically faced bans for various reasons, including racial themes, explicit content, and religious or anti-religious sentiments.

Redshaw noted that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ranks among the most challenged books in North American history due to its subject matter, despite many years in school curriculums. 

Other notable examples include The Handmaid’s Tale, criticized for its anti-religious themes, and the Harry Potter series, banned in some regions due to objections to its portrayal of witchcraft.

“People should have the right to express their views and read what they wish to read. So that’s kind of where the freedom to read week comes from,” said Redshaw.  

He said that Freedom to Read Week is important because it isn’t just freedom to read, it’s freedom of speech, freedom of ideas and freedom of access.  

The library currently has a display up to showcase books, from the past and present, that have been banned. 

“We do that every year and just stick to this kind of let the public know that some of these books have been challenged,” said Redshaw.  

He said  people are often surprised to find out some of their favourite books or authors have been banned.