Bill 28

Bill 28 affects your access to library materials, your privacy, and the library service available to you.

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.

Bill 28 Full Text

Ministry statement

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.

You can help by sending a digital postcard to the Minister to show your support for your local library.

CAP Libraries Website

Digital Postcards

How does the library choose what books to have on the shelves?

We choose books based on our Collection Management Policy 8.1, community feedback and requests. In addition our trained staff use professional journal reviews, bestseller lists, and information from publishers to make decisions about purchases and shelf locations.

In addition, we uphold the Canadian Federation of Library Associations' statement on Intellectual Freedom Policy 8.2

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.