Alberta’s banned school library books sell out fast at Calgary book sale
Posted May 11, 2026 5:37 pm.
Last Updated May 11, 2026 6:29 pm.
Books that were banned from school libraries by the Alberta government after being deemed inappropriate for children were flying off the shelves at a recent Calgary book sale.
The books sold out within the first weekend of the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale at the Calgary Curling Club after being pulled from some Alberta school libraries under a 2025 provincial directive.
The titles were removed after Premier Danielle Smith’s government introduced rules restricting access to what it defines as sexually explicit material for students 15 and under.
Organizers say the banned‑books table was one of the busiest corners of the event. What began as a display meant to highlight the ongoing controversy quickly turned into a magnet for shoppers.
“We gathered up as many banned books as we could find during the two‑week sort stage,” said Gail Baim, co‑chair of the sale. “We probably had over 200 of them… and they were sold out by Sunday afternoon, our third day of the sale.”
Many buyers were adults purchasing the books for children, a direct response to the province’s tightening rules.
“I’m kind of sad that they’re all sold out,” said Lindsey, a shopper. “I don’t think the government should have a say in which books we read as individuals, or which books our kids can read.”
Others supported the restrictions, saying they would be cautious about bringing the titles home.
“They’re banned. They’re probably somewhat controversial,” said Michael McKinley. “I have a six‑year‑old, so maybe not, but it depends what’s in them.”
The provincial directive has already prompted school divisions in Calgary, Edmonton and across the province to review and remove dozens of titles.
“Yes, I would buy those for my children,” said Barb, another shopper. “They shouldn’t be banning educational books just because some of the things are explicit.”
The province maintains that the rules are aimed at ensuring age‑appropriate content for students at school.
The government introduced legislation last month to ensure children and young teens won’t be able to access sexually graphic images in books at public libraries.
