Raise your library voice! Celebrate Freedom to Read by joining your local libraries for a screening of the 2025 documentary The Librarians.

The screening will be accompanied by a short discussion with local librarians and academics on book bans and challenges here in Canada, including libraries’ roles in protecting freedom to read and how we can all defend our right to intellectual freedom.

THE LIBRARIANS offers a rattling look at coordinated efforts to ban books. More importantly, it introduces viewers to the everyday and increasingly vital heroes pushing back: the librarians who sound the alarm to both legislative and grassroots attempts to pull books from school and public libraries.

In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQIA+ stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of White Christian Nationalism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work – the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale.

“This movie reminds us there is just one way to separate truth from propaganda: learning.” (RogerEbert.com)

“The film shows it’s not really about the books; it is about power.” (The Tyee.com)

“From its superb opening-credits sequence paying tribute to card catalogs of yore to its sharp selection of vintage clips and intimate reportage, “The Librarians” is as well-crafted as it is profoundly alarming.” (New York Times)

Details on guests panelists and Q&A coming soon!

Saturday, February 28
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

THE LIBRARIANS (Kim A. Snyder, 2025 / 92 mins / PG) Librarians unite to combat book banning, defending intellectual freedom on democracy’s frontlines amid unprecedented censorship in Texas, Florida, and beyond.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds, exchanges or transfers.