Canadian Urban Libraries Council concerned over proposed Alberta government bill

A group that speaks for large public libraries across Canada is calling on Alberta to ditch a bill that promises big changes on how the facilities operate.

The Canadian Urban Libraries Council says they’re worried that if the bill passes, Premier Danielle Smith’s government would have unprecedented power over library operations, and could even peek at what patrons are checking out.

Executive director Mary Chevreau says the legislation is the first of its kind in Canada and she worries if the bill passes, it could set off a domino effect of censorship by governments of all stripes.

Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams introduced the bill earlier this month.