Update 21/11/2025: The book has been removed from circulation. Full update statement here.
This morning our community raised serious concerns about a newly added Russian language book in the Brisbane City Council library system. The book, Собиратели тишины (The Gatherers of Silence), is not ordinary fiction. It is contemporary Russian wartime propaganda that glorifies the invasion of Ukraine and celebrates individuals who have taken part in the assault on Ukrainian cities.
For Ukrainians in Brisbane, including refugees and displaced families, this material is not abstract. It relates directly to real trauma, real loss and an ongoing war that has touched every part of our community. Its presence in a public library collection is distressing and completely unacceptable.
🗣 A message from our President, Peter Bongiorni:
“For our community, this is not simply a book. It glorifies a war that has destroyed homes, taken lives and displaced millions, including many who now live here in Brisbane. Its presence in a public library is deeply distressing and incompatible with the values of safety, inclusion and respect that our city stands for.”
📨 What we have done
This morning, Peter Bongiorni wrote to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner on behalf of the Ukrainian Community of Queensland, formally requesting:
• The immediate withdrawal of the book from circulation and the catalogue.
• A full review of how the title was acquired.
• Stronger safeguards to prevent extremist or militarised propaganda entering the library system.
• Improved acquisition of Ukrainian language books, which remain underrepresented.
💙💛 Our community is strong
We know how confronting it is to see such material appear in public spaces. Please be assured that UCQ is actively addressing the issue at the highest level and that we will keep the community informed of the outcome.
Слава Україні. 💙💛