Ottawa police have launched a hate crime investigation after copies of a book promoting white nationalist ideology were discovered in little free libraries across several neighborhoods.
Barrhaven residents noticed the books earlier this month while browsing community-run libraries near their homes. Upon further checks, seven out of ten little libraries in the Barrhaven and River wards contained the book. Similar reports later emerged from Alta Vista.
Little free libraries, typically placed curbside by homeowners, are intended to encourage book sharing within the community. The books in question were found only in registered little free libraries, whose locations are publicly available online.
“The little libraries are a way to bring our community together, and hate certainly has no place in Barrhaven,” said Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill. He urged library owners to check their shelves regularly and discard any offensive material.
Ottawa Police Service (OPS) confirmed they are investigating but have not yet determined how widespread the issue may be.
“The investigation is still in its early stages,” an OPS spokesperson told CBC News. “So far, the areas affected that we are aware of are in the Barrhaven and River wards.”
Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr said residents in her ward also found copies of the book in mid-January. Several homeowners who operate little free libraries declined to speak on the record but said they had no idea the books had been placed there.
Coun. Hill encouraged residents to report similar findings to police. “If they see garbage in there, they should throw it in the trash,” he said.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.