A Strong Alberta Begins at the Library
Alberta’s Public Libraries play a foundational role in the lives of millions of Albertans. They are essential public infrastructure that support learning, employment, digital access, and social connection. Every Albertan, from babies to seniors, benefits from public libraries.
Read CAP Libraries’ statement on Bill 28 here (April 2, 2026).
Alberta Public Libraries by the Numbers
The Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries) represents Alberta’s public libraries. Together, they operate within 7 regional library systems, along with medium-sized and large urban public libraries to form a province-wide network of 324 service points.
Libraries Deliver Real Impact
Public libraries, from small rural communities to big-city centres, deliver a big impact for all Albertans.
Education and Workforce
Improved literacy, stronger workforce skills.
Economic Opportunity
Higher employment, lower household costs, stronger business support.
Community Wellbeing
Reduced isolation, stronger family support, better health outcomes.
Rural Vitality
Improved access, stronger connection, greater local opportunity.
Municipal Sustainability
Reduced tax pressure, smarter investment, stronger infrastructure.
Accessing without Restriction
Intellectual freedom is your right to read, watch, listen, and explore ideas without barriers. Every book, every film, every voice is yours to discover.
Public libraries stand firmly against censorship and have a professional and legal responsibility to ensure free access to information, support critical thinking, and make space for diverse perspectives.
They do not endorse every idea in their collection. They do, however, protect the public’s right to access those ideas. Intellectual freedom applies to all materials, including those some may consider unconventional, unpopular, or unacceptable.
Supporting Families and Young Readers
CAP Libraries is aware of the growing discussion about legislative changes that could restrict children’s access to library materials in public libraries across Alberta.
Alberta’s public libraries exist to serve the whole community. They provide welcoming spaces and resources for families, guided by long-standing principles of intellectual freedom, equitable access to information, and responsive community service. These principles support learning, literacy, curiosity, and wellbeing for people of all ages.
Public libraries ensure that children have access to developmentally appropriate materials, while recognizing that parents and guardians remain the primary decision-makers about what their children borrow and how they use library services.
Libraries support, rather than replace, parental judgment and responsibilities by:
Organizing collections by age and subject
Providing shared account access so families can review borrowing activity
Offering staff assistance to help locate age-appropriate materials
Training staff to address concerns respectfully and thoughtfully
Public libraries remain committed to access, inclusion, and informed choice for all members of the community.
Albertans Trust Their Libraries
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.
This research confirms that public libraries are among Alberta’s most trusted and widely used public institutions. Key findings include:
Enriching Communities Now and in the Future
Public libraries welcome feedback and are always looking for ways to enhance and strengthen our partnership with community members, including parents and caregivers. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels heard, seen, and valued while continuing to uphold our mission: championing everyone’s right to read, watch, listen, and explore ideas without barriers.
As part of these efforts, CAP Libraries is eager to work collaboratively with the Government of Alberta to reaffirm parental authority and responsibilities, strengthen public understanding of how libraries operate, and ensure consistent policy frameworks across the province.