Libraries are so good that they do not have just one patron saint but three! Arguably, the most famous of these is Saint Lawrence the Librarian. In the year A.D. 258, as part of the Roman persecution of Christians, imperial guards searching for membership lists demanded the surrender of the church's archives. Lawrence previously had hidden the archives and refused to divulge their location. Legend has it that the guards tied him to a grid iron over a charcoal fire, but Lawrence still refused to relinquish the archives, telling his tormentors, 'I am roasted enough on this side, turn me over and eat.' Even today, pilgrims still visit the basilica over the tomb of this librarian who died to defend his archives.

Our next patron saint is Catherine of Alexandria a hugely popular figure during the Middle Ages. Many European chapels and churches were named after her and she was also an advisor to Joan of Arc. Her reputation as a scholar led to her patronage of libraries and librarians, archivists and teachers. She died being tortured on a fiery wheel which resulted in her having a firework named after her.

Saint Jerome is our last patron saint. Born to a pagan family he led a misspent youth but later began a study of theology which resulted in his conversion. He is most famous for his translations of the books of the Old Testament, into Latin directly from the Hebrew which became known as the Vulgate. In addition, his letters are one of our best sources of knowledge of the times. He lived for many years as a hermit in the Syrian Desert and legend has it that he drew a thorn from the paw of a lion. The lion stayed loyally at his side for many years. He alone, of the Patron Saints of Libraries did not die a gruesome death, but died of natural causes.

Today’s librarians and scholars do not face the extreme challenges that our three Saints did, but we do endeavor to protect your intellectual freedom and right to read. The Library does not advocate all the ideas and opinions found in its collection and the presence of any material in the library does not indicate endorsement of its contents by the Library. Challenging, extreme or minority points of view are represented although quantity may be limited. While people have the right to reject for themselves material of which they do not approve, they do not have the right to restrict the freedom of others. In the case of controversial issues, an effort is made to see that all points of view are represented.

Freedom to Read Week – February 21-27, 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.

Thanks to Jan Leak, Systems Administrator for researching this column.

Big Screen Tuesday, on February 23, features Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, & Kevin Spacey, in this satire about a reporter in Iraq who gets more than he bargains for when he meets a Special Forces agent who reveals the existence of a secret, psychic military unit whose goal is to end war as we know it. “The men who stare at goats” will be shown at 7pm in the LaMarsh Room. Rated 14A.