Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries statement on changes to Libraries Act to restrict access to resources
April 3, 2026
On April 2, 2026, the Government of Alberta announced changes to the Libraries Act that would restrict access to resources in public libraries.
The Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries) has issued a statement condemning this act of censorship.
More information about Bill 28:
Alberta Public Libraries Condemn Act of Censorship
Statement in response to Bill 28, the Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act
April 2, 2026
Earlier today, Minister of Municipal Affairs Dan Williams announced changes to the Libraries Act that will restrict access to resources in public libraries in Alberta. These changes impact 324 public library service points across Alberta, which serve 99 per cent of Albertans.
All public libraries across Alberta are united and represented by The Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries). CAP Libraries has been engaged in conversations regarding intellectual freedom with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and provincial representatives since Fall 2025 but were not consulted on the changes announced today. CAP Libraries is reviewing these recent changes and will be providing further statement in the coming days.
In January 2026, CAP Libraries commissioned research by Alberta pollster Janet Brown to better understand public views on library decision-making and the principle of intellectual freedom. It confirms that public libraries are among Alberta’s most trusted and widely used public institutions. Key findings include:
82 per cent of Albertans trust their local public library to make appropriate decisions about what materials are available
70 per cent of Albertans use public libraries at least a few times per year, with 47 per cent reporting use weekly or monthly
69 per cent of Albertans believe decisions about library materials should be made locally by trained library staff, guided by policies set by local library boards, rather than through province-wide rules
A full report on this polling is available at CAPLibraries.ca
About CAP Libraries
The Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries) represents 324 public library service points across Alberta, serving 99 per cent of Albertans. Its membership includes libraries of all sizes and from every region of the province, including Alberta’s seven regional systems. With a mission to work together to promote core library principles, demonstrate value, and share the stories of how libraries enrich the lives of Albertans, CAP Libraries has a powerful and shared voice to advocate for the needs of the communities it serves. For more information on the Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries, visit CAPLibraries.ca or contact caplibraries@gmail.com.
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