Library cancels Williams' book author's appearance

Author Timothy Appleby has cancelled his appearance at The Belleville Public Library. Appleby was slated to appear there Oct. 20 to discuss his book, "A New Kind of Monster."

Listen to the full interview with library CEO Trevor Pross here…

By Taylor Renkema

The Belleville Public Library has decided to cancel the visit of an author this weekend after outcry from the public and the family of one of the victims, said library CEO Trevor Pross.

Pross said Thursday afternoon that the talk scheduled for Saturday at the library with author Timothy Appleby will have to be cancelled.

“I didn’t do it lightly, I’ve really been thinking hard about it for the past couple days. As I always said, I wasn’t intending on this being a big controversial issue. And I did not want to cause the hurt that has obviously been caused to the family,” he said.

The book Appleby wrote, A New Kind of Monster, focuses on the life and crimes of Russell Williams, who was convicted of double murder two years ago.

Appleby’s invitation was controversial because of the community’s sensitivity to the issue. Pross said he has spoken to Appleby about the cancellation.

“I don’t think he’s too happy, but he respects the decision and understands that the community might not be ready,” he said.

The library board of directors voted Tuesday night on whether the reading should go ahead. After a lengthy debate, they decided the visit would go on. But, Pross said Thursday the decision had been reversed.

Garnet Thompson, chairman of the library’s board of directors, said he completely supports Pross’s decision.

Thompson said he doesn’t believe cancelling the visit is limiting Appleby’s freedom of speech.

“We have the book in the library, so we’re certainly not limiting him in any way, shape or form for people getting the book and reading it,” he said. “We feel he has that opportunity through the book that we have at the library that has been picked up on a number of occasions since its release, and will continue to be carried at the library.”

With files from: Megan Mattice