The Alberta Government is introducing new rules to guide what books are available in school libraries. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko / with files from Canadian Press

UPDATE: Alberta Teachers' Association comments

Alberta changing rules to ensure ‘age-appropriate’ books in schools

May 26, 2025 | 11:24 AM

Alberta is bringing in new rules this fall to ensure that only what it calls “age-appropriate” books are available in school libraries.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the move was spurred by four graphic coming-of-age novels depicting sexual, LGBTQ+ content found to be in circulation in public schools in Edmonton and Calgary.

Nicolaides says he was extremely concerned to learn such novels were available to students and says Albertans will be consulted before action is taken.

The government is launching an online survey for feedback as it prepares the new province-wide standards, with the aim of the new rules being in place by September.

The province says school boards currently have varying standards when choosing library material, leading to concerns about whether effective safeguards are in place.

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The rules will apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools, but not to public libraries.

Alberta Teachers’ Association President Jason Schilling says he agrees that it is important to ensure that all materials in school libraries are developmentally and age appropriate.

However, he feels that the Alberta Government is targeting the LGBTQ+ community “with their own predetermined agendas and to further target diverse communities.”

“It seems like there is no coincidence that the government’s announcement on library materials specifically singled out 2SLGBTQIA+ materials. The Association welcomes being included in policy decisions concerning school libraries and learning commons spaces,” says Schilling.

Schilling says in a statement that, due to education underfunding, school libraries are rarely staffed with certified librarians or teacher-librarians who can help to identify appropriate materials.

He is calling on the province to engage in meaningful and broad consultations with librarians, teachers, students and families, and to provide targeted and stable funding to restore teacher-librarians in schools.

(The Canadian Press)

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