What problem is Bill 28 trying to solve, and how is it likely to affect libraries and library users across Alberta?

With the recent introduction of Bill 28, also known as The Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, the Government of Alberta is dramatically altering the landscape of public library governance and accountability. The Bill, which grants significant new powers to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, presents philosophical and practical challenges for all public library boards in Alberta. This presentation will explore the consequences of this new legislation, and how it stands to alter a robust and long-standing model based on local governance and community accountability.

Speakers: Terra Plato, CEO of the Lethbridge Public Library and Robin Hepher, CEO of Chinook Arch Regional Library System

Terra Plato has worked in public libraries for 20 years. She began working at Chinook Arch Regional Library System as a consultant in 2006 and progressed to a senior management role before moving to Lethbridge Public Library in 2013 as the Manager: Branch Services. She became CEO of Lethbridge Public Library in 2015 and has spearheaded multiple initiatives designed to expand access to library services, including no-fee library memberships, elimination of late fees, and the creation of the Indigenous gathering space Piitoyiss.

Robin Hepher has worked in libraries for most of his life before finally obtaining his Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2004. He joined the Chinook Arch Regional Library System in 2007, assuming the role of CEO in 2015. Robin is a passionate advocate for public libraries – especially those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. He has spoken extensively on various library-related topics and continues to marvel at the impact libraries make on their communities.

Date/Time: Thursday, June 11, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm.

Free to attend. Donations however, are gratefully accepted.

Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge

Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room before the session