Montreal public library says it can’t host English book club, citing Quebec’s new language law
Montreal author Christopher DiRaddo recently faced disappointment after being informed by a municipal library that he would not be allowed to host his monthly book club due to potential violations of Quebec’s new language law. The decision left DiRaddo feeling frustrated and hindered in his efforts to bring together a community of readers.
DiRaddo’s book club, the Violet Hour Book Club, focuses on exploring 2SLGBTQ+ literature. While the club reads a variety of French and English-language books, discussions are primarily conducted in English. When DiRaddo reached out to the Père-Ambroise public library in Montreal’s Village neighborhood to book a space for his club, he was informed that the new language law, Bill 96, was a barrier to hosting the meetings.
The author expressed his disappointment, stating, “Instead of creating bridges, which I hope to do with my book club, I felt like they were putting barriers in the way.” DiRaddo had hoped that the book club would serve as a platform for fostering connections and promoting inclusivity within the community.
While the city maintains that it is simply complying with the law, legal experts suggest that there may be room for interpretation when it comes to enforcing language regulations. Despite the challenges faced by DiRaddo and his book club, he remains committed to finding alternative solutions to continue hosting engaging discussions and promoting diverse literature within the community.
The incident highlights the complexities and nuances of language laws in Quebec, and the impact they can have on cultural and community initiatives. As DiRaddo navigates this setback, he remains hopeful that he will find a way to overcome the obstacles and continue sharing his love of literature with others.
