Wollongong 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.

Snapshot of 2009 Events 

Living Library Catalogue 2009

Living Books Profiled in the Illawarra Mercury 2009

Snapshot of 2008 Events

Wollongong City Council’s pilot Living Library project involved a launch event at the central library and two high school events.  Due to their success and community demand, two further events followed.  A further three are planned for the first half of 2009

Feedback

The feedback from ‘books’, ‘readers’ and staff has been overwhelmingly positive.  The project team has been inundated with enquiries about the program and currently cannot meet the demand for requested events
Eric Alexander, head of English, Woonona High School, commented:

“I was on lunch time duty after the Living Library visit and was overwhelmed with students rushing up to me at lunch time to tell me how wonderful the Living Library was.  In fact, one student who we have not been able to engage since Yr 7, said it was the best day of his life.  All the students want it again, a great result.” 

 Comments from Wollongong Library readers:

•  “I don’t belong to a regular library but I could have “read” all day.”
•  “Being told things in person, makes you feel the emotion.”
•  “Great variety and some courageous stories.”
•  “Learning so much that is not spoken about normally.”

Comments from Bulli High students:

• ‘Hearing the other side of the story”
• “Finding out how people live with different disorders”.
• "That being different should be something we celebrate.”
• “The honesty in their stories.”                   
• “I learnt I can be myself and really enjoy it.”

 Comments from Holy Spirit students:

• “I liked the depth and variety of the living books.”
• “I liked talking to real people about their lives.”
• “Learning about other people’s mistakes and learning from them and seeing the world in a different context.”
• “Their ability to share personal Information in order to help others. It is very admirable.”
• “I don’t belong to a regular library but I could have “read” all day.”
• “Being told things in person, makes you feel the emotion.”
• “Great variety and some courageous stories.”
• “Learning so much that is not spoken about normally.”