Alberta libraries scramble to meet Jan. 1 restrictions on sexual imagery for minors
Alberta public libraries must enforce Bill 28’s ban on visual sexual content for patrons under 15 by Jan. 1, prompting concerns over workload and costs.
Alberta’s public libraries are racing to meet a Jan. 1 deadline imposed by Bill 28, which mandates that any item containing a visual depiction of a sexual act be locked away from patrons 15 and younger unless a parent or guardian authorizes use. Managers such as Lesley Moody of the Olds Municipal Library estimate reviewing their 1,500-title graphic-novel collection will consume about 600 hours and cost $15,000, with additional expenses for shelving, DVDs, video games and new policies.
Smaller libraries fear they may need to shut their doors temporarily to comply. Provincial officials promise guidelines this month, but librarians like Ron Sheppard question how the rule applies to educational or historical images and whether rating systems can be used. Critics, including Ken Feser and James Turk, contend the measures resemble censorship and could lead to inspections that undermine local decision-making. Supporters such as Action4Canada’s Tanya Gaw praise the law as essential to protect children’s innocence.
Why it matters
The law could dramatically change library access, budgets and community services across Alberta.
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