Alberta libraries raise concerns over proposed Bill 28 changes

Alberta’s public libraries are warning that proposed provincial legislation could undermine local control, limit access to materials and create new privacy concerns for users.

The Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries), which represents 324 library service points serving 99 per cent of Albertans, has sent a letter to Premier Danielle Smith and Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams outlining concerns with Bill 28, the Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act.

The coalition says the bill could introduce age-based restrictions on borrowing and access to materials, potentially requiring proof of age and parental consent. Library leaders argue those measures would create barriers for users, particularly seniors, newcomers and people without government-issued identification.

“Albertans trust their public libraries,” said Pilar Martinez, CEO of Edmonton Public Library, in a statement. “These changes risk undermining a system that communities rely on and value.”

CAP Libraries also raised concerns about a shift in decision-making authority. Currently, libraries are municipally governed and largely funded at the local level. The proposed legislation would grant new powers to the province over inspections, access and compliance, moving authority away from local boards and professional staff.

The coalition said the changes could be especially difficult for smaller and rural libraries, which may lack the resources to redesign spaces, retrain staff and implement new administrative processes without additional funding.

Polling commissioned by the coalition found 82 per cent of Albertans trust libraries to make decisions about materials, compared to 46 per cent who trust the provincial government on the same issue.

CAP Libraries is calling for direct consultation with library leaders, proper privacy review, and dedicated funding before any changes are implemented.