The Belleville Public Library, Belleville, ON Canada, recently raised community outrage when it chose to cancel a venue booked for the public event "Prescription for Hope: The Plight of Gaza’s Healthcare Workers".

Belleville library reneges on hosting event discussing doctors in Gaza

Rally calls for freedom of expression at Belleville Public Library

We, the undersigned, are deeply troubled by the Belleville Public Library’s cancellation of a signed and mutually agreed upon rental venue contract booked for "Prescription for Hope: The Plight of Gaza’s Healthcare Workers", a public event scheduled for March 22, 2025. This event aimed to raise awareness about the healthcare crisis in Gaza and the struggles of its workers -- issues of urgent humanitarian concern.

The Library’s cancellation of the venue based on vague and questionable perception raises serious concerns about Library’s decision making process, its commitment to free expression and its role as a taxpayer-funded community space.

The Belleville Public Library’s mission promises “free and equitable access to resources and services, fostering education, dialogue, and community engagement”. Canceling this lawful and informative event contradicts that promise, denying residents a chance to discuss a critical global issue, and sets an alarming precedence for the future of all such voices.

This isn’t just about one event -- it’s about the Library’s duty to remain a hub for open ideas, not a gatekeeper silencing discussion. The lack of transparency in this decision erodes public trust and suggests a troubling limit on free speech.  

We demand:  

1. A clear, public explanation of why this access was denied, including any policies or external pressures involved.
2. A commitment to protect free expression and ensure equal access to Library facilities for all lawful events, including those on global issues like Gaza’s healthcare crisis.  
3. A review of decision-making processes to prevent unjustified cancellations in the future.  

Inclusion of this petition in the Library’s public record to document our concerns. 

The Belleville Public Library must stand for intellectual freedom, not censorship. Join us in urging the CEO to reverse this trend, restore trust, and honor the Library’s mission.

Sign now to protect our community’s right to open dialogue!