Thursday, February 12, 2004

Freedom to Read Week 2004

Freedom to Read Postcard (pdf)

In collaboration with PEN Canada, Toronto Public Library presents two special literary evenings in honour of Freedom to Read Week.

EYE Magazine's comic artist Matthew Blackett will host a discussion about comic and graphic novels on Thursday, February 26, at 7 p.m. at the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). Blackett will use images from the Museum of Cartoon Art, including banned works, to examine the social stigma associated with creating and reading these "alternative" forms of literature. Admission is free.

CBC radio personality Avril Benoit will host Disappearing Languages Appearing: An Evening of Readings from Marginalized Languages Slipping Torwards Extinction, in collaboration with PEN Canada on Friday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Toronto Reference Library. Readings by Mark Abley, Marilyn Dumont, Deborah Ellis, Beatriz Hausner, Frances Itani, Levi Namaseb, David Sacks and Benjamin Santamaria Ochoa. Entertainment for the evening includes a flamenco performance with guitar and percussion. Suggested donation at the door is $10-$15 and $5-$7 dollars for seniors and students.

"The library embraces the concept of intellectual freedom as a fundamental element of democracy," says Josephine Bryant, City Librarian. "We are pleased to partner with PEN Canada and comic artist Matthew Blackett to present two unique programs to highlight our encouragement of opportunities for public participation in Toronto's literacy and cultural life."

For more information about these events, call Answerline at 416-393-7131

Toronto Public Library is North America's busiest public library system with 98 branches. Every week, over 300,000 people visit its branches, and borrow more than half a million items.

Media contact:
Edward Karek, Communications Officer, 416-397-5925
ekarek@tpl.toronto.on.ca