In recognition of Freedom to Read Week 2026\, this panel brings to gether voices from Waterloo Public Library\, Cambridge Public Library\, an d Region of Waterloo Library for a thoughtful conversation about what &ldq uo\;freedom&rdquo\; really means in our reading lives. The discussion will explore the difference between freedom from certain content and the freedom to read\, and how both ideas shape information litera cy\, democracy\, and our shared sense of the common good. Expect an engagi ng\, accessible evening that looks at how these ideas show up in our commu nities&mdash\;and why they matter.
\nFreedom to Read Week takes place from February 22 to 28th\, and is a n annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom.
\nAs of 2024\, Freedom to Read Week entered a new phase led by Library and Archives Canada\, the Canadian Urban Libraries Council\, and the Ontario Library Association in partners hip with the Book and Periodical Council. For more information\, visit the \;Freedom to Read website.
\n
Stayce Webber is
Waterloo Public Library&rsquo\;s Collection Development Librarian. In her
17 years at WPL\, she has held several roles in the Collections departmen
t\, and has also worked in Information Services. In a previous life she wo
rked at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in positions ranging from page\
, to Humanities Librarian\, to Supervisor. \;In all of these roles\, s
he has been an advocate for equitable access to information for all. As a
collection development librarian\, she makes decisions through the lens of
intellectual freedom principles\, and works to develop robust and diverse
collections that ensure customers have access to a wide range of viewpoin
ts without restriction or censorship. \;
Andrea Siemen
s (Cambridge Public Library)
Andrea Siemens \;is the Man
ager of Youth Services at Cambridge Public Library\, where she brings a un
ique perspective to library work. With a background as a professional acto
r\, drama instructor\, and co-founder of an international touring theatre
company\, she designs youth services that centre creativity\, storytelling
\, and participatory learning. Andrea holds a Master of Information (Libra
ry &\; Information Science) from the University of Toronto and a Bachel
or of Arts (Honours) in Theatre and English Literature from the University
of Winnipeg. Her career spans public libraries\, professional theatre\, a
nd international conference work\, including service with the United Natio
ns in New York. She is particularly interested in how arts-based practice
can expand literacy\, deepen engagement\, and reimagine what public librar
ies can be for young people.
Cristina McLaren (Region of W
aterloo Library)
Cristina is a librarian and community servi
ces leader focused on equitable access to information\, lifelong learning\
, and responsive library programming. She promotes literacy\, digital incl
usion\, and community connection by streamlining how staff and partners co
nnect residents with information\, technology\, and local resources. Crist
ina collaborates with internal departments and community organizations to
deliver services that reflect local needs\, strengthen outreach\, and keep
collections\, programs\, and spaces welcoming and accessible. Her approac
h is data-informed\, grounded in privacy and confidentiality\, and guided
by community feedback. Cristina is the Manager\, Library Services at the R
egion of Waterloo Library.
Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at this event a nd may be broadcast\, reproduced\, and/or made available in print or onlin e. For individual or small group photos\, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos. \;
\nFor larger public events\, please note that by attending\, you are co nsenting to the use of your appearance\, image\, and voice in print or dig ital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional us e only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you&rsquo\;d like to be excluded from any photo/video. \;
\nStaff: Charlie
\nhttps://wpl.libnet.info/event/15741572 URL;VALUE=URI:https://wpl.libnet.info/event/15741572 ATTACH:https://static.libnet.info/images/events/wpl/Freedom_to_Read_Week.p ng END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR