October is Canadian Library month and AAAL supports the CLFA-FCAB’s Canadian Library Month Statement and the discussion around and in pursuit of intellectual freedom.

Libraries have a responsibility to uphold the core values of librarianship, including intellectual freedom, which empowers people to seek and access information on their own, make informed decisions, and respect the dignity and independence of individuals. As librarians, we support intellectual freedom and curiosity by encouraging individuals to make their own choices, listen to diverse viewpoints, and engage in open dialogue.

Bill 28’s regulations contradict the core value of intellectual freedom, infringing young Albertans’ access, preventing them from educating themselves, and preventing children and guardians from making informed decisions.

Censorship and surveillance has no place in libraries and the AAAL alongside the CFLA-FCAB, calls upon Alberta residents to stand up for their libraries, learn the importance of them, and restore decision making on our collections to librarians. 82% of Albertans trust their public libraries to make decisions on the collections (Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries). We encourage our local communities to speak and stand up to the Government of Alberta, restoring access to materials for our young patrons, and prevent censorship.

AAAL will continue to uphold the value of librarianship and work together with our public libraries, the Canadian Federation of Library Association, and other library associations to promote and foster intellectual freedom in library spaces.

Thank you,

Aurora Frewin, AAAL Secretary

On behalf of the AAAL Executive

Alberta Public Libraries Day of Action is October 1st and AAAL stands in solidarity with our public library colleagues. The Library Association of Alberta (LAA)  is inviting public libraries to participate in this event, informing community members about the impact Bill 28’s regulations will have on our colleagues and the community at large.

Public libraries have a tremendous impact on the community, providing a safe space to pursue intellectual freedom and knowledge, education, information and digital literacy, and engage in leisurely activities. They are spaces for all community members from all backgrounds, and public libraries have a role in engaging and connecting the larger Albertan community.

The regulations required by Bill 28 infringes on the intellectual rights and freedoms of community members and restricts access to information. These regulations require considerable resources to implement, impacting crucial daily library tasks and activities.  

 We support and applaud this Alberta Public Libraries Day of Action initiative put forth by LAA. AAAL will continue to advocate and discuss the vital role all librarians play in our community and support the core values of librarianship.

Thank you,

Aurora Frewin, AAAL Secretary

On behalf of the AAAL Executive

We would like to thank our members for their high level of engagement with our Statement Regarding Bill 28 – Invitation to Sign Open Letter. Our community’s support for our colleagues in public libraries is heartening. As we have witnessed, Bill 28 did pass.  

We are writing this follow-up to share with you that we recently heard back from the Alberta Government with the following letter AR122873 – Minister signed letter.pdf. It is disappointing to see no changes, despite efforts from the Alberta library community to engage respectfully. That being said, the AAAL executive is proud to see a membership that is willing to support the principles of intellectual freedom, privacy, and equitable access to information. AAAL is keen to continue advocating for Alberta Libraries and support the core values of librarianship. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you, 

Céline Gareau-Brennan, AAAL Chair

On behalf of the AAAL Executive