The Ontario Library Association Board of Directors established the Award for Intellectual Freedom in 1997 to recognize the courage shown by libraries and librarians in defending the rights of library patrons to full access to information. In 2000, the Award was renamed the Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom Award in 2000 in memory of the former Chief Librarian of Toronto Public Library whose efforts on behalf of intellectual freedom in Canada are legendary.

RECIPIENTS TO DATE

2010 - The Book & Periodical Council, Freedom to Read Expression Committee

2009 - Dr. Michael Geist, Canada Research Chair of Internet and E-commerce Law, University of Ottawa.

2008 - Bernard Katz, now retired, former senior director at the University of Guelph McLaughlin Library and a deep contributor to the OLA's work on intellectual freedom and copyright, both areas in which he has deep and abiding wisdom.

2000 - Toronto Public Library for publication and distribution of
"Young Voices from the Street"

1998 - The Halton Board of Education

1997 - Burlington Public Library staff and board