A Palestinian advocacy group has criticized a Sydney library’s decision to remove a book addressing Israel’s war in Gaza from its collection, emphasizing the importance of providing access to diverse and potentially challenging perspectives.

Waverley Library, located in Bondi Junction, withdrew the book titled "How to Sell a Genocide" by US media critic Adam Johnson pending a review after receiving a complaint about the title. The book explores what its publisher describes as the role of US media in the conflict in Gaza.

Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, condemned the library’s action, arguing that libraries have a responsibility to expose their communities to a broad range of viewpoints, including those that may provoke discomfort. Mashni highlighted the ongoing suffering of Palestinians, noting that “hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, maimed and displaced,” and said the use of the term “genocide” reflects their experience rather than an intent to offend.

He also warned against censorship, saying history has demonstrated the dangers of book bans.

According to reports, the book’s removal followed a complaint from a survivor of an attack in December at a Jewish festival held at Bondi Beach. The complainant objected to the book’s display on the library’s “new release/hot item” shelf, prompting the library’s decision to temporarily pull the title for further assessment.

The situation underscores ongoing community tensions related to the conflict in Gaza and raises questions about how public institutions balance freedom of information with sensitivity to diverse community experiences. Waverley Library has not publicly detailed the criteria guiding its review process or the timeline for reinstating or permanently removing the book.