In this episode of Library Land Loves, we dig into a conversation that feels more urgent in Canada by the day: what’s happening to school libraries, who is challenging what kids can read, and how library people who are also parents can use their voices to protect public education.
Across the country, book challenges are becoming more organized and more politically motivated. Calls for “parental rights” and restrictions on “inappropriate material” are showing up everywhere from school board meetings to provincial legislation. And while this often sounds like a U.S. issue, our guests remind us that it’s very much happening here in Canada — and our response matters.
We speak with three guests who bring different lenses to this issue:
Heather Ganshorn – researcher, librarian, and author of Challenging ‘Parental Rights’. Heather explains where these movements are coming from, why they’re gaining momentum, and the real risks to public education and vulnerable students.
Michael Nyby– who has been tracking book challenges and censorship efforts across Canada. He walks us through the types of books being targeted, the tactics used to pressure schools, and how this affects teacher-librarians and students.
Joel Krentz – a school administrator and parent living this reality on the ground. Joel shares what these challenges look like inside a school, how they affect students and staff, and what supportive parents can do to make a real difference.
This episode is a call to action for anyone who works in libraries and has children in the public system. You know why school libraries matter. You understand literacy, inclusion, and intellectual freedom. And your voice — as a parent — carries weight.
If you’ve ever wondered how to support your school’s library, or stand up for the right to read, this episode gives you real tools, real language, and real hope.
Thanks for listening — and for standing up for equitable, inclusive public education.
*******
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
*******
This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
