Great Falls Falls Public Library Responds to Hate Propaganda in Library Books

On the morning of Dec. 1, Library staff received information that a Neo-Nazi hate group had placed propaganda in an undisclosed number of Library books. The Great Falls Public Library stands against hate.    Library staff removed hate materials from 16 books.  Staff examined several sections of the Library, but we cannot be sure that all of the hate materials have been found.  If anyone finds this propaganda at the Library or in Linda materials, please bring it to the attention of any Library staff as soon as possible.  If you find stickers or fliers at the library, or anywhere in the community, please note the location and alert the Great Falls Police Department and the City and County Commissions.   

This propaganda is being distributed by a statewide Neo-Nazi organization that believes in White Supremacy.  They aim to intimidate and threaten non-White individuals, but they also want to radicalize and recruit new members.  This literature is dangerous and poses a threat to our community, especially children. 

The Library protects intellectual freedom and advocates against censorship.   However, we do not allow anyone to use the Library to promote hate or to place unauthorized messages in Library materials.  

Incidents similar to this have been happening in Great Falls for over a year and a half.  In addition to working to remove these materials and protect our individual patrons, the Library believes we must counter this hate speech with more community action.

Recently, the City Commission issued a proclamation condemning these hateful actions and declaring November 12-18 United Against Hate Week. The Library wants to work across our community to show that Great Falls rejects hateful ideology. We believe that all are equal and all are welcome here.  Our community is filled with beautiful diversity and we see this diversity as a tremendous strength. We want all to feel safe and welcome at the Library and throughout Cascade County.    

As a next step, the Great Falls Public Library, the Great Falls YWCA and other community organizations are creating a “Hate Has No Home Here” campaign.  We are asking individuals and organizations to promote the “Hate Has No Home Here” graphic.  Place the flier in your home window, display it at your business or school, and share the message on your social media accounts.  We need your support.  It will take our entire community to stop this hate-filled rhetoric.  

We will officially launch the campaign at the City Commission meeting on December 5 at 7 pm.  Fliers will be available at the Great Falls Public Library and the Great Falls YWCA. You can download a PDF and print off your own copy, as well. 

Let’s all raise our voices to say “Hate Has No Home Here.”