Living Library

Living Library

The Wollongong Living Library is a community development project that brings to the community a collection of ‘books’ who are people. These living ‘books’ represent a diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences. 

Instead of reading a book, you talk to a person in the setting of a library or school.  Readers are offered the chance to engage in informal half-hour conversations with the living ‘books’ about their lives and life choices. Questions and active participation in discussion is encouraged.

The concept of the Living Library originated in Denmark in 2000 and has since gained popularity around the world. Wollongong City Council piloted the Wollongong Living Library in June 2008 and is continuing to develop and resource the project.

Through conversation, the Living Library creates an opportunity to build understanding and share experiences between different groups in the community.

Living ‘Books’

The living ‘books’ are an extraordinary group of local volunteers who enjoy sharing their stories with others. Their backgrounds are diverse, in terms of culture, language and faith background, gender, sexuality, age, ability and occupation.  The recruitment of the ‘books’ focused on finding people with stories that are not given a high profile in mainstream media.

All living ‘books’ are offered induction, training, support and debriefing, as well as subsidised transport for the events.

Message from Patron - Noni Hazelhurst AM

The Living Library concept is nothing less than a stroke of genius. As soon as I read about it, I knew it was a winner. You truly cannot understand or criticise someone until you walk a mile in their shoes - and to do that you have to meet them and talk to them.

In all the media exhortations to be different, we've forgotten that our strengths as people lie in our similarities. We all share the need for love, acceptance and understanding, and we all have a story worth telling and worth hearing. Our communications revolution has done much to break down community life and little to promote neighbourhood interaction.

Living Libraries are a wonderful way to bring people together in fellowship and in celebration of the human spirit. They encourage the kind of communication revolution we desperately need, and the possibilities for friendship and enrichment are endless. I can think of no demographic or age group that wouldn't benefit from borrowing from the Living Library. I heartily endorse the project and applaud everyone involved.