Less than five months remain for libraries in Alberta to comply with new restrictions on their collections. Concerns are rising among librarians about the workload and potential costs needed to meet the regulations set by Bill 28. The restrictions mandate that public libraries in Alberta restrict access to materials containing visual depictions of sexual acts, including books, graphic novels, magazines, films, TV series, and video games. Individuals under 15 years old are now required to have parental permission to use or borrow these restricted materials.

By January 1, libraries must determine which materials to restrict, organize storage for them, and establish protocols for regulating access. Lesley Moody, manager of the Olds Municipal Library, highlighted the complexity of this task, emphasizing the need to meticulously review each book, especially graphic novels. Moody estimated that around 600 hours of work, totaling $15,000 in labor costs, will be needed to review the graphic novel collection alone.

Moody expressed confidence in her staff’s ability to manage the review process without closing the library temporarily. However, she acknowledged that smaller libraries with limited staff might face challenges. The province is expected to release guidelines soon to assist libraries in adjusting or creating new policies in response to Bill 28, addressing concerns about educational materials, history books, and access to online resources.

The new regulations have sparked debate over access controls versus censorship. While the government asserts the aim is to safeguard children from explicit content, librarians like Ken Feser from the Medicine Hat Public Library worry that certain materials may become less visible or essentially disappear. He raised concerns about the potential impact on public access to certain materials and the perception of borrowing restricted items.

The legislation also expands inspection powers for authorities to oversee library operations, which has raised apprehension among library managers about potential interference with local decision-making. Kelsey Chic, library manager for the Carmangay and District Municipal Library, emphasized the importance of local autonomy in curating collections tailored to community needs. She has been vocal about her criticisms of Bill 28 on social media, aiming to educate the public about the nuances of the issue.

While some support the restrictions to protect children, others, like James Turk from the Centre for Free Expression, advocate for a constitutional challenge, arguing that the restrictions infringe on freedom of expression rights for young library users. The outcome in Alberta may set a precedent for libraries across Canada, with many closely monitoring the situation to anticipate potential legislative changes in other provinces.