World News
Sydney library restores book on Gaza media coverage after State Library intervention
Waverley Library placed the title back on its shelves following a legal reminder from state library officials and a public petition.
The short version
- Waverley Library in Sydney returned the book *How to Sell a Genocide* to borrowing shelves after removing it earlier in the month for review following complaints.
- The State Library of New South Wales intervened by reminding Waverley Council of legal obligations under the Library Act and guidelines supporting independent collections and open access to information.
- The initial removal occurred after complaints that displaying the book near the site of a December antisemitic attack in Bondi caused distress to survivors and victims' families.
- The book's author, Adam Johnson, welcomed its return but stated he intends to seek details on the initial complaint through legal channels.
Key facts
- Waverley Library reinstated Adam Johnson's book, *How to Sell a Genocide*, after removing it for review earlier in the month following complaints reported by JWire.[The Guardian]
- The State Library of NSW contacted Waverley Council to outline relevant legislation and guidelines under the Library Act that reinforce local libraries' independence and free access to information.[The Guardian]
- An online petition advocating for the book's restoration collected nearly 2,500 signatures.[The Guardian]
- The initial complaint involved concerns over displaying the book on a prominent new-release shelf near the location of a December antisemitic attack in Bondi that killed 15 people.[The Guardian]
- Representatives from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry previously endorsed the book's removal, while groups such as the Jewish Council of Australia and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network criticized the decision.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The specific complaint details that prompted Waverley Council to remove the book remain undisclosed, with author Adam Johnson seeking clarification through legal avenues.[The Guardian]