Queen’s University Library marked Freedom to Read Week Feb. 22-26 with a number of events, including a special reading of JK Rowlings’ Harry Potter series in the 1923 Reading Room of Douglas Library, also known as the “Harry Potter Room.”

The Harry Potter books are among the most challenged books to be banned from public and school libraries, primarily on religious grounds for promoting witchcraft and wizardry.

Earlier in the week, pop-up events were held at Stauffer and Douglas libraries.

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is a project of the Book and Periodical Council, the umbrella organization for associations involved in the writing and editing, publishing and manufacturing, distribution, and selling and lending of books and periodicals.