Bill 28
Bill 28 affects your access to library materials, your privacy, and the library service available to you.
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Public libraries are a core part of community infrastructure, supporting learning, employment, digital access, and social connection. In communities like Carstairs, residents of all ages—from early childhood through to older adulthood—rely on library services in different ways, making any changes to how libraries operate important to understand.
Key Concerns Being Raised
Parental Rights
Public Libraries already respect the rights of parents to make decisions for their children's reading and library use. This legislation creates new barriers for blended families, grandparents, foster parents, and others who care for children.
Privacy
We are concerned that this change undermines longstanding protections that keep what you read private. Enforcing these restrictions adds barriers like staff mediated access and the need for age proof identification that raises additional privacy concerns.
Local Decision Making
Currently libraries are locally governed, and primarily funded by municipalities. Bill 28 creates new ministerial powers that shift decision making away from locally appointed library boards and professional staff that report to our local municipalities.
Costs & Practicalities
The Government has confirmed that there is no new funding for this. In order to physically separate collections, retrain staff, & redesign our service desk we will need additional space and staff hours which come with additional costs.
For More Information
Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries
The Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries represents 324 public library service points across Alberta. They are collecting and sharing information on Bill 28 to help advocate with the Minister to collaborate with Public Libraries to find solutions to these concerns.
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You can help by sending a digital postcard to the Minister to show your support for your local library.
If you still have questions
Our Library Manager Megan Ginther is happy to answer questions and engage in respectful dialogue about any of our library policies, Bill 28 and patron concerns.
You can contact her via email to schedule a meeting.