Banff Library Warns New Alberta Law Could Shift Local Control

Banff Public Library is warning that Alberta's new legislation could create new costs for municipalities and shift more decision-making authority from local library boards to the provincial government.

During an update to Banff council on May 26, Banff Public Library CEO Sarah McCormack said she is concerned about Alberta's new library law because many details about how it will be implemented remain unknown.

The legislation, known as Bill 28, is Alberta's new law governing municipalities, housing and public libraries. It allows the province to create new rules governing children's access to certain library materials and gives Alberta greater authority to inspect libraries and enforce compliance with those rules.

The Alberta government says the legislation is intended to limit children's access to sexually explicit visual material. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams has said Alberta is “not directing the removal of any books or content from public libraries.” Instead, the province has said forthcoming regulations could require some materials containing explicit visual depictions of sexual acts to be kept in separate areas, available only through staff, or borrowed by children aged 15 and under only with parental approval.

McCormack said key details remain unclear, including which materials may be affected, how age verification would work, what changes libraries may be required to make and what the legislation could cost municipalities.

“That uncertainty is deeply concerning for libraries of all sizes,” she said.

The concerns raised in Banff mirror a debate taking place in libraries across Alberta. McCormack said the Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries, which represents 324 library branches serving 99% of Albertans, has voiced similar concerns about privacy and the implementation of the new rules.

“At the Banff Public Library and in libraries across Alberta, we already have policies, professional standards and local governance standards in place to support families and ensure age-appropriate access to materials,” she said. “Libraries are locally governed by appointed boards that reflect community needs and values. Bill 28 entirely changes that model.”

McCormack said the issue extends far beyond individual books.

“This conversation is not just about books,” she said. “This is about privacy, local governance, intellectual freedom, municipal impact, and maintaining accessible public spaces where people can learn, explore, and connect without unnecessary burdens.”

McCormack said one of the biggest unanswered questions is how much the changes could cost, with libraries potentially needing restricted-access areas, age-verification systems, technology upgrades, collection changes and additional staff.

“Public libraries operate with limited staff and tight budgets,” she said. “Potential compliance requirements, including restricted spaces, additional staffing, verification processes, collection changes, technology modifications, and inspection preparedness could place significant operational and financial burdens on municipalities.”

McCormack said library organizations have been told there is currently no provincial funding earmarked to help implement the changes.

Several Banff councillors expressed support for the library's concerns about the legislation.

Coun. Michelle Backhouse thanked library officials for speaking publicly about the issue and said libraries play an important role in the community.

“We hear you and definitely support that,” said Backhouse.

With many of the details still unresolved, McCormack said libraries are now focused on the regulations that will determine how the law works in practice.

“As regulations develop, Alberta libraries are continuing to ask for meaningful consultation and practical solutions that respect both parental responsibility and the foundation principles of public library service,” said McCormack.