Copies of a book promoting white nationalist beliefs have been discovered in community-run library boxes in various neighborhoods in Ottawa, leading to a police inquiry. Christine Young stumbled upon several copies earlier this month while exploring little free libraries near her residence in Barrhaven. Little free libraries, set up by homeowners, serve as open book exchange points for the public.
Young, a federal government consultant, was taken aback to find a recurring book that condemns immigration, multiculturalism, and advocates for a white ethnostate, where racialized communities would be marginalized. Expressing her disbelief and anger, Young encountered the same book in multiple locations, prompting her to tear it up to prevent it from entering her home.
The book, authored by a well-known American writer promoting white nationalist ideals, has sparked a hate crime investigation by the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). The OPS mentioned that the affected areas known so far are in the Barrhaven and River wards, with investigations ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the issue. Young hopes that the police can swiftly identify the individuals responsible for distributing these books.
Further investigations revealed that seven out of 10 little libraries in the Barrhaven and River wards contained the contentious text. Reports also surfaced of the book appearing in registered little free libraries in Alta Vista. Elected officials and community leaders expressed dismay over the incident, emphasizing the need to combat white supremacy and urging residents to report any similar findings to the authorities.
Barbara Perry, director of Ontario Tech University’s Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism, highlighted that the book aims to normalize white nationalist ideologies by echoing themes found in extremist manifestos. While the book does not explicitly call for violence, Perry warned that it propagates far-right ideologies in a subtly persuasive manner, potentially fueling racism and fear within the community.
Hector Addison, founder of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa, condemned the circulation of the book, labeling it as not just offensive but also dangerous, as it fosters hatred and division. Addison called for accountability for those responsible and emphasized the importance of unity in combating hate and building a multicultural city where all residents can thrive.