Montreal public library says it can’t host English book club, citing Quebec’s new language law

January 29, 2025 WOL

Montreal writer Christopher DiRaddo says he’s disappointed after a municipal library told him he’s not allowed to hold his monthly book club there because it would violate Quebec’s new language law.

City says it’s complying with law, but lawyer says there’s room for interpretation

A man with a salt and pepper beard and dark hair in a black button-up shirt with the top three buttons undone revealing a red and white striped t-shirt underneath, holding a book in his home. A bookshelf is behind him. — Writer Christopher DiRaddo tried to book a space at a Montreal public library to host his book club, only to be told Bill 96 had gotten in the way. (Gloria Henriquez/CBC)

The Violet Hour Book Club explores 2SLGBTQ+ literature, and though members read a mix of French- and English-language books, discussions are held in English, DiRaddo explained when reaching out to the Père-Ambroise public library in the Montreal Village.

“Instead of creating bridges, which I hope to do with my book club, I felt like they were putting barriers in the way,”

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