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Waverley Library Temporarily Removes Adam Johnson’s Genocide Book

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Waverley Library removed Adam Johnson’s *How to Sell a Genocide* after a survivor complained.
The council said the removal is temporary for review and will consider tighter oversight.
Author Adam Johnson said objections focus on the word ‘genocide’ and reflect mainstream human-rights consensus.
Bart Shteinman of the Jewish Council of Australia called the removal alarming, citing a NSW Library Act amendment backed by Arts Minister John Graham to protect libraries.

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Story summary

Waverley Library removed Adam Johnson’s *How to Sell a Genocide* after a survivor complained.
The council said the removal is temporary for review and will consider tighter oversight.
Author Adam Johnson said objections focus on the word ‘genocide’ and reflect mainstream human-rights consensus.
Bart Shteinman of the Jewish Council of Australia called the removal alarming, citing a NSW Library Act amendment backed by Arts Minister John Graham to protect libraries.