Alberta Book Ban Sparks Sales Surge at Local Bookstores

EDMONTON — The recent decision by the Alberta government to ban certain books in school libraries is having an unexpected outcome. Local bookstores report a significant increase in sales of the very titles targeted by the ban, suggesting that censorship may be driving curiosity and demand among readers.

Kelly Dyer, manager of Audreys Books in Edmonton, noted a marked rise in sales since the ban was announced in July 2025. The provincial government ordered the removal of books deemed to contain explicit sexual content, with a deadline for compliance set for October 1, 2025. Dyer stated, “We’ve definitely seen a spike. Even book sales on book banning have spiked.” Among the popular titles are the four coming-of-age graphic novels specified by the government and Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, which was also included on the Edmonton public school board’s removal list.

The Alberta Education Minister justified the order, emphasizing the need to shield youth from inappropriate content. In response, the Edmonton Public Schools announced plans to pull over 200 titles from their libraries, including George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This move has sparked backlash from various quarters, including Atwood herself, who urged readers to buy copies of her book before they face potential destruction, stating on social media, “Buy it before they have public book burnings of it.”

In a recent development, Premier Danielle Smith labeled the school division’s adherence to the ban as “vicious compliance.” She announced that the order would be revised to focus solely on books containing sexually explicit images, rather than extending to literary classics. Consequently, the initial ban has been paused as the government reassesses its approach.

Bookstore owners are witnessing the effects of the ban firsthand. Julie King-Yerex, co-owner of Magpie Books in Edmonton, reported an influx of customers asking for titles flagged for removal. She praised the Edmonton Public Schools for their handling of the situation, suggesting that the ban has prompted greater scrutiny of the restrictions and led many to seek out the targeted books. “Censorship of any kind is a step towards fascism,” King-Yerex remarked. “The vast majority of people I’ve interacted with are very opposed to any sort of a book ban, and it makes people want to read what they’re being told they can’t.”

Similarly, Laurel Dziuba, manager of Pages On Kensington in Calgary, observed a consistent uptick in sales during discussions about book bans. “Even when stuff happens in the U.S., we have people order the books,” she explained. Dziuba criticized the initial order as “profoundly confusing” and suggested it might serve as a distraction from pressing issues in Alberta. She emphasized the importance of parental involvement in children’s reading choices, advocating for shared reading experiences and consultations with booksellers.

Dyer acknowledged that while there is a “degree of common sense” required when it comes to book selection, outright bans are not the solution. “Had these books been in an elementary school, that’s not an appropriate age yet for those books,” she said, referencing her 15-year-old daughter. “Schools need librarians to monitor those sorts of things, ensuring age-appropriate materials are available. But in terms of censorship and book banning, no, it’s not a good thing.”

As the controversy continues, it remains clear that the attempt to restrict access to certain literature has inadvertently ignited a renewed interest in reading among the public, turning the ban into a catalyst for sales growth in local bookstores.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 4, 2025.