The written word can be very powerful, provoking and to some, even dangerous. The books these words create can similarly challenge convention and stir up controversy. Their availability however cannot be curtailed. Such is the theme of Freedom to Read Week.

The University of Lethbridge Library has created a display to celebrate Freedom to Read Week, Feb. 22-28, "encouraging Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."

Examples of books that were either banned or challenged here in Canada are on display at the library. Accompanying the books are explanations as to why they were placed under scrutiny.

"Freedom to read can never be taken for granted," says the Canadian website Freedom to Read. "Even in Canada, a free country by world standards, books and magazines are banned at the border. Books are removed from the shelves in Canadian libraries, schools and bookstores every day. Free speech on the Internet is under attack. Few of these stories make headlines, but they affect the right of Canadians to decide for themselves what they choose to read."

To mark Freedom to Read Week, the Freedom of Expression committee, in partnership with BookCrossing.com, has come up with an innovative challenge for Canadians, called "Free a Challenged Book". To take part in this challenge, click on the Free a Challenged Book link.