SA Libraries boss explains why Hitler’s Mein Kampf is still available to borrow in week alleged neo-nazi arrested in Adelaide
It’s one of the most infamous and hate-filled books ever written, but experts say there’s a good reason it’s still in the library.
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The boss of SA libraries has defended allowing Adolf Hitler’s anti-semitic publication Mein Kampf being available for people to borrow from the state’s collection of books.
The Nazi leader’s 1925 autobiographical manifesto Mein Kampf, which translates to My Struggle, outlines Hitler’s radical nationalist right-wing ideology including a hatred of Jews.
The Advertiser last week revealed the book was required reading for members of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network. Fifteen members of the group faced court in Adelaide this week after being arrested for allegedly disrupting peaceful and prearranged marches on Sunday.
The men, from SA, Victoria, NSW, Queensland, WA and Tasmania, were charged with offences ranging from carrying an item of disguise to using a Nazi symbol.
A search on the SA Libraries website reveals there are 27 ebook versions and three hard copies of Mein Kampf available to borrow across the state.
State Library of South Australia director Megan Berghuis said the federal government was responsible for classification for books offered for loan and sale in Australia.
“The State Library of South Australia and Public Libraries SA have a policy that applies to collection development, and our responsibility lies with ensuring this policy is followed,” Ms Berghuis said.
Arts Minister Andrea Michaels said she condemned anyone seeking to spread hate in the community.
“Nazi ideology is absolutely deplorable and the State Government has taken strong action to outlaw Nazi symbols and performing the Nazi salute,” she said.
“For good reason, as Minister, I do not have curatorial control over artistic expression more broadly, including what books are available within the library service. This includes, in this case, the public library services of local councils.
“Nazi Germany was a horrific period in world history but arguably banning this book could prevent researchers and students from understanding the atrocities of the Holocaust and the dangers of totalitarianism.”
Jewish community leader Norman Schueler said Hitler and Mein Kampf were “highly objectionable” but it was important to not attempt to rewrite history and he was not in favour of banning the book.
“It happened,” Mr Schueler said. “Take a lesson out of this book. People can read Mein Kampf and they obviously haven’t learnt a lesson because what’s happening now is exactly what happened in the 1930s.”
Many countries, including Germany, banned the sale of Mein Kampf in the wake of World War II but most of these bans have been lifted in recent years.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those who condemned the actions of the National Socialist Network in Adelaide.
“They were horrific scenes yesterday, to have people openly identifying as neo-Nazis and fascists, white supremacists marching through our streets,” Mr Albanese said on Monday.
Originally published as SA Libraries boss explains why Hitler’s Mein Kampf is still available to borrow in week alleged neo-nazi arrested in Adelaide
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