VWA | The Role of Public Libraries in Supporting Democratic Values
The Victoria Women's Association Presents The Role of Public Libraries in Supporting Democratic Values and Freedoms
Where: Alumni Hall, Room 112, Old Vic
About this event: Around the world, democratic values and freedoms face serious challenges as individuals and institutions confront rampant disinformation and increasing opposition to intellectual freedom on a wide range of issues, across all forms of media and from all sides of the political and social spectrum. Public libraries are under increasing pressure to censor materials and are working to combat disinformation. Toronto Public Library’s response includes policy development, programming, civic engagement, education and advocacy.
About the speaker: Vickery Bowles was Toronto’s city librarian from 2015 to 2025. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated a passionate belief in the difference public libraries make in the lives of individuals, communities and cities. Her unwavering dedication to intellectual freedom is a hallmark of her career. She has championed the public library as a vital democratic institution, uniquely positioned to preserve and protect democratic values and freedoms. She led the development of a comprehensive set of initiatives, ranging from programming and civic engagement to policy development and advocacy, including the adoption of an Intellectual Freedom Statement to guide policies, service planning and communications.
Vickery is the former chair of the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), headquartered in Washington, D.C. She was a member of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) and a board member of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL).
About the VWA Membership
Every fall, the Victoria Women's Association sends members and donors the membership/donation form, the new programme and the newsletter. The annual membership fee is $20 which may be paid at meetings by cash or by cheque, payable to the Victoria Women's Association. A cheque may also be mailed to the VWA mailing address below. If you wish to receive a receipt, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The VWA Executive keeps in touch with members and reminds them of upcoming meetings if a member so wishes. If informed, the Corresponding Secretary also sends cards to members for diverse reasons.
VWA Contact Information
Mailing Address: VWA, c/o Victoria Alumni Office, 73 Queen's Park Crescent E., NFH 106, Toronto M5S 1K7.
E-mail: vwa1897@gmail.com
Website: www.vic.utoronto.ca/alumni/VWA