September 27 it was finally time. The HU library became a living library with lifelike books. This year, for the first time at Hogeschool Utrecht, a Living Library was organized as part of the Feel your Home Festival. The event was opened by, among others, student leader Sjamaani of the Diversity and Inclusion Network.
The concept of the Living Library is originally a Danish concept and aims to connect people. In the Living Library, you don’t read books, you read people. Different types of people, each with their own story. The goal of the Living Library is to connect people, remove prejudices, and enter into dialogue with each other.
At the opening of the Living Library, about 25 interested readers and ten lifelike books were available to borrow. The real-life people consisted of students of the Hogeschool, former students, and employees. Each “book” has its own story. After the opening, it was time. The borrowing could begin! You could register at the desk and choose which book you would like to read. You could borrow each book for a maximum of 20 minutes with an extension of ten minutes. In this way, it was possible to read several books in one afternoon
Once you have chosen a reader, you will meet the book and find a spot. The conversation is between the reader and the book only. This means that you have a one-to-one conversation in principle. In this conversation, the book, but also the reader, is particularly vulnerable and open This is why volunteers come by before reading the book to explain the rules of the game. ‘Books and readers have the right to be treated with respect, and books and readers have the right not to answer a question if they do not want it tells the volunteer of Living Library. In total, there are five rights of the book and reader, which the volunteer reads before the interview begins.
The first Living Library of Utrecht University was a true success. All afternoon there was a nice atmosphere in the HU library and people came closer together. By listening to each other, asking questions, and showing interest in each other, we can explore and counteract our benefits. This will ultimately lead to more connectedness.
Pictures made by: Martijn Bergsma
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