Here are snippets of the covers of the ALA’s list of the 11 most challenged books. How many do you recognize? How many have you read?
Banned Books Week is October 4-10, 2026. We stand in solidarity with the ALA and all who fight for the Freedom to Read. Find out more at your School Library, in person or online.
October is Canadian Library Month
October is International School Library Month
ALA Banned Books Week is October 4-10. As Canadians we stand in solidarity with libraries, librarians, and freedom loving people across the US as they stand up for their democratic rights. Censorship continues to thrive as a weapon of choice for those who seek to advance their political agendas by attacking fundamental individual rights and freedoms. Join with us as we learn more about the fight against book banning and the unending struggle for the protection of intellectual freedom.
October is ISLM. Join with us at YOUR School Library as we celebrate the essential role that school libraries hold in education.
Learn more. Visit us in person or online and find out more about why School Libraries are vital.
October 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Even as you enjoy a day off of school, please take time to reflect on the real reason for this day.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called on the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, to create a statutory holiday recognizing Survivors, their families, and communities while ensuring the history and legacy of residential schools are publicly remembered.
(Canadian Heritage at Canada.ca)
What can you do to observe this day with thoughtfulness and respect? To get started, here a few ideas:
September 30th is Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. Our school will be closed that day as the nation takes time to face the truth of our history and considers a path forward of reconciliation. As a school community, we continue to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation. At Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary, we encourage all students and staff to wear an orange shirt in school on Tuesday, September 29, as well as on September 30th.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established as the Canadian government’s formal recognition of the importance of Orange Shirt Day, observed on September 30 over most of the last decade, as part of the overall effort of raising awareness and provoking discussion about the impact of Residential Schools in Canada, and finding the path toward reconciliation.
Come down to your school library to check out some of these resources related to Truth & Reconciliaton, Residential Schools, Indigenous Peoples, and more.
The Autumnal Equinox will occur on Tuesday, September 22 at 5:04 PM Pacific. This day marks the beginnng of Autumn (or Fall) in the Northern Hemishpere. The tilted earth makes its way around the sun through the solar year. On this date the sun will appear to be directly overhead the equator at noon. The sun will continue to appear to travel south in our skies, towards the Tropic of Capricorn and the start of winter, before returning for the spring and summer. Many cultures and belief systems are deeply in tune with the cycles of the seasons. The Celtic calendar observes mid-autumn at this time, which in recent years has become known popularly as Mabon.
Yom Kippur, or the “Day of Atonement”, is the holiest day on the Jewish Calendar. For devout Jews in Canada and around the world, Yom Kippur is the most important Holiday, beyond Hanukkah or even the Passover. Many Jews will spend the entire day in fasting, praying and other observances.
In 2026 Yom Kippur begins at sundown on September 20, and ends at nightfall on September 21. (This is according to the Gregorian Calendar, while the Jewish Calendar is at year 5787.)
Find out more:
What is Yom Kippur? (Chabad.org)
Check out these books at YOUR School Library:
Today is International Day of Democracy. Celebrate democracy. Learn more about democracy. Most importantly, stand up for democracy.
Check out the books above, and many others in our school library, to learn more about democratic citizenship, and why the fight for democracy is an ongoing struggle that rages not just in “other parts of the world” but here at home in our neighbourhoods, cities and nation.
Find out more:
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year feast and celebration. It is the first of the “High Holy Days” of Judaism, and is followed closely by Yom Kippur.
The Jewish Calendar is a lunar calendar, therefor the dates of Rosh Hashanah and other Jewish holidays will vary according to the Gregorian Calendar (the standard calendar used in most of the world for politics, business and daily life.) In 2026 Rosh Hashanah begins at Sundown on September 11 and ends at nightfall of September 13. According to the Jewish calendar, the new year is 5787 AM (Anno Mundi).
Shanah Tovah!
Find out more:
Are you reading some good books? Your summer won’t really be great without good books!
Beltane is the ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of summer. Bealtaine, (or various other spellings) is old Irish for “bright fire” or “mouth of fire.” On Beltane great bonfires may be lit, so it also known as the Fire Festival. Beltane takes place on May 1st, although celebrations may take place in the days leading up to and following that. Beltane is celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and in other places where people have tried to revive Celtic festivals and observances. Remnants of Beltane traditions can be seen in many May Day festivals. Beltane traditions can be found in many parts of Canada, especially where there are large populations of Irish immigrants, such as Newfoundland.
Find out more:
RTE (Irish Radio & Television)
