Montreal Library Denies English Book Club Due to New Language Law

A Montreal library has refused to host an English book club, citing Quebec’s new language law, leaving members disappointed and seeking alternatives.

Montreal Library Denies English Book Club Due to New Language Law
Montreal Library Denies English Book Club Due to New Language Law

Montreal: So, there’s this writer named Christopher DiRaddo who’s pretty bummed out. He wanted to hold his monthly book club at a local library, but they said no. Why? Because of Quebec’s new language law.

The Violet Hour Book Club dives into 2SLGBTQ+ literature. They read a mix of French and English books, but the discussions are all in English. DiRaddo reached out to the Père-Ambroise library in the Montreal Village, hoping to reserve a spot.

He thought the library would be all about creating connections, but instead, he felt like they were putting up walls. The room he wanted was already booked, but the library also said hosting the club would be tricky.

They mentioned that the new Law 14 requires activities to be mainly in French. DiRaddo shared an email from the library that explained they needed to make sure French speakers could join in, which meant translating all English conversations.

DiRaddo said the library staff was nice and tried to help him find other options. Still, he felt it was important to speak out about this. He loves Montreal, but he doesn’t want it to be a place where people feel divided over things like books.

Most of the club members are bilingual, so if someone wanted to share a thought in French, that wouldn’t be a problem. But hiring a translator? That’s just too expensive for a free, drop-in club.

In the end, DiRaddo isn’t letting this get him down. He’s determined to find another spot for the club. He just wishes Montreal didn’t feel so divided over cultural issues.

He’s all about showcasing local talent, picking books by Montreal writers who write in both languages. The last book they read was “What I Know About You” by Éric Chacour, and half the members read it in French. How cool is that?

There’s a lot of chatter about the law, and a constitutional lawyer named Frédéric Bérard thinks the library’s decision might come from their own take on Law 14. Montreal isn’t officially bilingual under this law, and only a small percentage of the population speaks English as their first language.

Bérard believes the library’s interpretation might stem from being in a French-speaking area. He’s also representing the Town of Mount Royal in a challenge against Law 14, arguing that promoting French shouldn’t come at the cost of other cultures.

DiRaddo is still on the hunt for a new venue for the club in April. They’ve outgrown some of the other places they’ve used over the years. In February, they’ll read “Zami: A New Spelling of My Name” by Audre Lorde, followed by a book by Montrealer H. Felix Chau Bradley.

He thinks people are eager to connect, especially after the pandemic. The book club has helped form some great friendships, and that’s something he’s really proud of.

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