On Book Banning

The Alberta government’s decision to wade into school library curation is part of a broader trend towards censoring books that has intensified in the past several years. Lethbridge native Ira Wells, director of the free expression group PEN Canada, published a book, On Book Banning, earlier this year. He joins the Orchardcast to discuss the origins of the move towards literary censorship, whether it’s as much of a problem on the left as on the right and the role of libraries in public discourse. The Orchard is supported by readers like you. If you value my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Related Links * On Book Banning: Or, How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy (Biblioasis, 2025) * Survey shows most Albertans don’t want province setting standards for school library books, province going ahead, CTV * Conservative activists gave Alberta government list of ‘inappropriate’ books in school libraries, IJF * Tyranny of the rainbow guard:’ Inside the anti-2SLGBTQ+ movement’s efforts to take over Alberta school boards, Progress Report This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readtheorchard.org/subscribe