How to Sell a Genocide has been removed from a library near Bondi - but libraries represent freedom of thought
Waverley Council in Sydney has temporarily removed the book 'How to Sell a Genocide' from its library following complaints from a survivor of a local massacre. The author of the article argues that while the book's presence may be distressing, libraries should uphold freedom of thought and maintain access to diverse viewpoints.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between community sensitivity, trauma, and the principles of intellectual freedom in public institutions.
Bondi Beach. Simon Bullard/AAP How to Sell a Genocide has been removed from a library near Bondi – but libraries represent freedom of thought Published: August 19, 2026 2:43am EDT https://theconversation.com/how-to-sell-a-genocide-has-been-removed-from-a-library-near-bondi-but-libraries-represent-freedom-of-thought-289988 https://theconversation.com/how-to-sell-a-genocide-has-been-removed-from-a-library-near-bondi-but-libraries-represent-freedom-of-thought-289988 Link copied Share article Share article
Copy link Email Bluesky Facebook WhatsApp Messenger LinkedIn X (Twitter) Print article
Sydney’s Waverley Council, which includes Bondi Beach within its boundaries, has removed a book on the war on Gaza, titled How to Sell a Genocide , from its library shelves, pending review. This followed a complaint from a survivor of last year’s Bondi Beach massacre.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported the council received “multiple complaints” about the book by media analyst Adam Johnson, which centres on a detailed critique of the United States mainstream media and its “culpability” in shaping public perceptions of the war in Gaza.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in