Living Library DE

Objectives of the activity

The objectives are to bring people (“book and reader”) who would never meet each other into contact in order to promote cultural exchange and reduce stereotypes. This situation is created by the idea that the narrator acts as the medium book and “waits” in the library as every book to be read by an interested reader. It is a perfect artificial room where you can ask every question you always wanted, but never dared, to ask.

Descriptions of the activity

The Living Library is a tool that seeks to challenge prejudice and discrimination. It works just like a normal library: visitors can browse the catalogue for the available titles, choose the book they want to read, and borrow it for a limited period of time. After reading, they return the book to the library and, if they want, borrow another. The only difference is that in the Living Library, books are people, and reading consists of a conversation.

Quote of an involved young person

„When we learn from a person very personally what war actually means, then we are more committed to peace and democracy.“ –Alessandra, volunteer

“I have already experienced so many bad things in my life. But how narrow is life without the space of hope?” – Nour, one of the “books” 

Quote of an involved staff member

„Many do not really appreciate living in a peaceful and democratic country. We take our democracy far too much for granted and underestimate the dangers of war. And the Ukraine war or the conflicts between Azerbaijan and Armenia show how quickly wars can break out.“ – Perdita, project coordinator