White nationalist books planted in little free libraries across Ottawa
The community-run library boxes in parts of Ottawa have recently come under scrutiny after copies of a book promoting white nationalist ideology were discovered within them. The incident has sparked a police investigation and raised concerns among residents.
Christine Young, a federal government consultant, stumbled upon several copies of the controversial book while perusing little free libraries near her home in Barrhaven. Little free libraries are small curbside book exchange boxes where individuals can take or leave books. Young was shocked to find a book denouncing immigration, multiculturalism, and advocating for a white ethnostate where racialized communities would be classified as second-class citizens.
“I just thought, ‘This can’t be what I think it is. I must be in a bad headspace,'” Young said. “Then I found a second [little library] with the exact same book.” Frustrated by the content, Young tore up the book and reported her findings to the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), prompting a hate crime investigation.
The book, authored by an American known for promoting white nationalist beliefs, was found in multiple little libraries in Barrhaven and River wards. Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr revealed that copies were also discovered in her ward in mid-January. The incident has left many residents in disbelief and prompted calls for action against white supremacist ideologies.
Barbara Perry, director of Ontario Tech University’s Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism, expressed concern over the attempt to normalize white nationalist ideologies through the distribution of the book. She highlighted the book’s themes of white victimhood, opposition to multiculturalism, and disdain for progressive policies as particularly troubling.
While the book does not explicitly incite violence, Perry noted that it aims to frame far-right ideologies in a persuasive manner to gain support. The deliberate placement of the book in public spaces was described as a bold move to draw attention and push back against progressive policies.
Hector Addison, founder of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa, condemned the circulation of the book as both offensive and dangerous. He emphasized the need to combat racism and fear in the community and called for consequences for those responsible for disseminating hateful material.
As the investigation continues, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any similar incidents to the authorities. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against hate and working together to build a multicultural and inclusive city where all individuals can live free from discrimination.
