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Human library fills in answers

Event serves to pull community together
Human library fills in answers

How did the man down the street end up in Powell River? How did the lady south of town develop that unique skill? What is it like to be someone else? These questions and more can all be answered by attending the Human Library of Powell River, an event held over two days and hosted by Powell River Public Library and Powell River Diversity Initiative.

“I’m always curious about other people’s stories,” said Katie Kinsley, adult services coordinator at the library. “It’s not always easy to just strike up a conversation. Human Library of Powell River is a forum that gives people an opportunity to informally chat, one-on-one, with someone they might not otherwise have the chance to talk to.”

The Human Library, sometimes known as a Living Library, originated in Denmark in 2000. It began as an initiative to fight stereotypes and break down barriers. As with any library, “readers” at a Human Library check out resources, but in this case the resources are people, or “human books,” with real stories to share.

According to Cynthia Barnes, of Powell River Diversity Initiative’s Welcoming Communities Project, “The Human Library is a celebration of diversity. It encourages dialogue and allows people to respectfully ask questions about other people’s careers, cultures and life histories.”

The event is supported by PRMOS (Powell River Mobility Opportunities Society), Tla’amin Community Health Centre, 4children.ca and Powell River Historical Museum and Archives Association. Human Library takes place 6 to 9 pm Wednesday, October 23 and 1 to 4 pm Saturday, October 26 at Brooks Secondary School library.

The organizing committee is busy lining up human books for readers to check out. Anyone wishing to be a volunteer book can email humanlibrary@powellriverlibrary.ca. A Human Library Book List will be available soon and people can select their must-read titles. Copies of the list will be available at the library, River City Coffee and Breakwater Books and Coffee.