The Urban Libraries Council expresses its deep concern over efforts in Alberta to restrict access to resources in the province’s public libraries, and stands with the Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries) in condemning this library censorship.

The changes represent “a level of provincial overreach into public library governance [that] is unprecedented in the history of public libraries in Canada,” according to the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and represents a worrying continuation of book banning efforts in the United States.

To meaningfully participate in society, people need access to a broad range of information and ideas, as well as opportunities for open, uncensored discourse to hear, read, debate and learn from each other’s perspectives.

Across Canada and the US, libraries have long been trusted to thoughtfully provide access to materials representing a wide range of viewpoints, and an overwhelming 82% of Albertans trust their local public library to make appropriate decisions about what materials are available, according to CAP.

As cornerstones of democracy, it is incumbent upon libraries, and those that support them, to stand up against all efforts to impede the democratic process and limit the full participation in civic life.

The Urban Libraries Council opposes book bans by any name, and stands with Alberta and all Canadian libraries against any censorship efforts – just as we have always stood against such efforts in the US.