“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird
The concept might sound strange, but it’s really quite simple. Instead of checking out print books, you “check out” people serving as books in the Living Library.
Though simple in name, the actual Living Library experience is rich and wide-ranging for both you, the reader, and the storytellers, the books. You hear the real-life stories of people in your community who have volunteered to share their unique perspectives, talents, backgrounds, or experiences.
But, don’t worry. You don’t actually take a stranger home with you.
Rather, people interested in checking out a human “book” will participate in a Living Library Book Fair event. During that event, small groups engage in casual conversation with the living “book” and learn all about someone they might not otherwise have had a chance to meet.
Our first-ever Living Library Book Fair will be held Saturday, February, 2, 2019 at Old Town Library. More information about the event, including how to sign up to check out a book, will be available January 1, 2019.
The books’ stories and subject matter will range from the feel-good to the more complex and could reflect everything from developing artistic creativity to growing up in Fort Collins to living with mental health issues. Our volunteer “books” will ultimately determine the scope of topics and stories. As a reader, you have will have the opportunity to select which books you’d like to check out at our Living Library Book Fair at Old Town Library on February 2, 2019.
Check out “books” from the Living Library to hear unique human stories. Photo: CCC
Hiked the Colorado Trail? Won an award for your unique talent? Experienced a life-changing moment? Want to share what it’s like just to be you? Each story is unique and the community wants to hear it: Become a book in our Living Library!
Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover
The idea of a human library originated in Denmark as a place for people, both books and readers, to explore ideas through dialogue. For us, it’s another opportunity to engage the community in meaningful interactions and help you #ConnectToCuriosity.
Currently, the Library District is seeking individuals who are interested in serving as “books” and sharing their stories with fellow community members. Human books will participate in facilitated conversations with small groups of people around any number of topics. Discussions don’t have a prescribed direction, instead developing naturally based on readers’ curiosity and questions.
If you’re interested in being a book in our Living Library, please contact our Library District Volunteer Manager, Audrey at (970) 224-6183 by December 15, 2018.
Sign up to be a book “reader” will begin January 1, 2019 – you will be able to browse the “books” and put one on hold (aka reserve time to meet the “book” during the Living Library Book Fair on February 2, 2019).
