Human Library. Books that Talk Back
BORROW ... a person
ASK QUESTIONS ... you've always wanted to ask
LEARN MORE ... about the diversity within our city
WhenSpring 2011
About Human LibraryFirst introduced in Denmark, Human Library offers you the chance to engage in conversations with people in your community whose life experiences may have been very different than your own. A Human Library is an idea that is gaining popularity around the world as a simple way for people in a community to really get to know each other.
LPL's purpose is to highlight some of the stories of people who have been, or are experiencing, barriers that have prohibited them from enjoying a full life in London because of poverty, mental illness, homelessness or addiction and many other struggles.
How it Works
Visitors to a Human Library event are given the opportunity to have an honest conversation with someone in their community who may have a different background, different values or a new perspective. The “Books” in a Human Library are volunteers who welcome the opportunity to be open about who they are and the chance to open eyes and minds.More information about Human Libraries can be found at Human Library International
Our Human Library event will take place in quiet spaces in a few Library locations and most “Books” will be available for several half-hour conversations.
"Book" Descriptions
Human Book Library Catalogue
A Journey Through Chronic Pain
Experiences of growing and moving beyond being a victim. A Mom talks about her 10-year search for help in coming back from a drunk driving accident. Talk about a plethora of treatments, weight gain and loss and living a life of child rearing, dog rescuing and chronic pain.
Determination and HopeMeet Darrius and talk about a life overtaken by drugs, alcohol and what it took to turn it around.
Good Laughternoon!Nothing can stop you! Provocative, intriguing, motivational with a side dose of comic relief, Marky Wheels, the "talking torso", discusses music, computer software, busking and changing diapers...
For GivenHoney tells her story of a troubled life, faced with children's services that didn't work, a street life that didn't feel right, an undiagnosed mental illness and caring for 3 children. Honey can attest that you can let go of a lot of things and be the better for it.
Myasthenia Gravis - what's that again????It's tough enough being a teen, but when you're diagnosed with this neurological disorder at 15 and nobody knows anything about it, it's a BIG problem. Talk to Kendal about myasthenia gravis and understand the nature of the disease and its effect on the person who has it.
Trial and Error...Join Angelina and hear the story of a troubled teen. This is a young woman that hard luck couldn't keep down! She found the services she needed, she made the choices she needed to make and has turned her life around for her and her child. An uplifting and positive story ...
Suicide: A Survivor's StoryTalk to a sister and Mom who has suffered this kind of agonizing loss more than once. It IS possible to survive the final choice of the one you love.
Kevin - Living with HIVKevin is a 33-year old man living with HIV. His struggles with stigma and rejection and the subsequent resilience he's acquired through his journey as a person living with HIV has really impacted the individuals and groups with whom he works.
and more "books" coming ....
Human Library Application Form
London Public Library is looking for volunteer “Books” to participate in a Human Library program planned for Spring 2011. We’d like you to consider sharing your story with us as a volunteer “Library Book”.
Please use this form to tell us about your particular story. You can also print off this form, fill it out and drop it off at any library location (please place in a sealed envelope addressed to "Volunteer Services").
The personal information we ask you to give us is confidential, and will not be given to anyone outside of the Human Library Planning Team.
Questions? Please contact Ellen Hobin at volunteer.services@lpl.london.on.ca or 519-661-2300 (private line).