City of Medicine Hat Library Board releases statement on Bill 28 and the provincial plan to restrict library books

The board of the Medicine Hat Public Library is voicing concern over proposed provincial legislation that could restrict access to some library books, warning it may limit services and undermine intellectual freedom.

In a public statement, board chair M.B. Kaethler and vice-chair Megan Hilgendorf say the province’s plan is aimed at preventing youth from viewing what it describes as explicit content. They argue, however, that no pornographic material exists in Alberta’s public libraries and that such content is primarily accessed online.

The board says a very small portion of library materials may include images that could be considered explicit, but adds that those works are typically educational, scientific or artistic in nature and are placed in adult collections.

Under the proposal, the province would require libraries to prevent anyone under 16 from accessing such material. The board says that it could force libraries to create restricted areas or require users to request access, including adults verifying their age.