Video February 26, 2025

Censoring Books in Schools and Libraries: What does it mean for our future?

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music 

In his new book, On Book Banning, Ira Wells begins with his astonishment when the principal in his children’s school wanted to get rid of “all the old books” as being too Eurocentric, too male, too heteronormative. While understanding these concerns, he felt the solution was wrong. In his engaging exploration of censorship and the common goals of censors of all persuasions, Wells looks at the consequences for human development, for art, and for democracy. Join Ira in conversation with Centre for Free Expression Director James L. Turk, at this time when censorship is becoming popular and pervasive. 

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Blog July 27, 2026

Alberta Orders Censorship in All Public Libraries: What Are Libraries’ Options?

The government of Alberta has imposed unprecedented censorship on all public libraries in the province – a first in Canadian history. In May, the government pushed through Bill 28, giving the Minister of Municipal Affairs virtually unlimited authority over almost all aspects of all Alberta public libraries – an extreme and unwarranted attack on the province’s public library boards, staff, and administration that a recent poll found were trusted by 82% of Albertans.
James L Turk
Intellectual Freedom, Censorship
Blog July 27, 2026

Alberta Orders Censorship in All Public Libraries: What Are Libraries’ Options?

The government of Alberta has imposed unprecedented censorship on all public libraries in the province – a first in Canadian history. In May, the government pushed through Bill 28, giving the Minister of Municipal Affairs virtually unlimited authority over almost all aspects of all Alberta public libraries – an extreme and unwarranted attack on the province’s public library boards, staff, and administration that a recent poll found were trusted by 82% of Albertans.
James L Turk
Intellectual Freedom, Censorship