a msg from PEN Canada re: Freedom to Read Week

PEN Canada and the Toronto Public Library

celebrate Freedom to Read Week with

“Inventory: Writers Tracking Conflict and War”.

Award-winning and nominated Canadian writers David Bezmozgis, Dionne Brand, Bernice Eisenstein, Camilla Gibb, Rawi Hage and Ann-Marie MacDonald will join PEN Canada writer in exile Senthil Ratnasabapathy and Canadian folk legend Bruce Cockburn and rapper Shad. Carol Off, host of CBC Radio’s “As It Happens”, will serve as host.

“Inventory”, which is part of the Toronto Public Library's month-long celebration of reading called Keep Toronto Reading, will mark a ten-year partnership between PEN Canada and the Toronto Public Library to promote awareness of free expression during Freedom to Read Week. The Toronto Public Library is a co-sponsor of the event.

Friday February 23, 2007 at 7:30pm sharp

Doors open at 7:00pm

Toronto Reference Library: Atrium, 789 Yonge Street (north of Bloor)

Tickets $10 - $20 sliding scale. Tickets available at the door or in advance at the Toronto Women’s Bookstore for in-store purchase only (73 Harbord Street)

For more information, please contact PEN Canada, tel 416.703.8448 x10 or

agogia@pencanada.ca. Web site: www.pencanada.ca.

About Freedom to Read Week

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Freedom to Read Week is organized by the Freedom of Expression CommitteeBook and Periodical Council. of the

About the Toronto Public Library

The Toronto Public Library is North America's busiest public library system. Every week over 325,000 people visit its 99 branches and borrow more than half a million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. Keep Toronto Reading is Toronto Public Library's month-long celebration of the joy of reading. Throughout February, an exciting line-up of programs, events and activities will enlighten, engage and entice. Full program details on torontopubliclibrary.ca.