18 May 2008

On Sunday, 18th May, 2008, Kiev hosted the opening of the Living Library in Ukraine in Taras Shevchenko park. The Library functions much like a conventional library as we all know it, the only difference – in the Living Library the “books” were human beings, each of them with own life stories to share: adventures, love, incredible dreams and real horrors.

Over a period of six hours, around 200 visitors to the Living Library met their Books, which they could select from the catalogue of 22 choices. Each Book was presented in the directory by a one-page summary of its life experience, its challenges and achievements, as well as stereotypes it faced. As visitors reflected, it was the sincerity and honesty of the 'people-texts' that impressed them the most. Some of them borrowed more than 5 books with the following being the most popular titles:

• One World – One Race – a Secretary General of the Nigerian Community in Kyiv, Youth Network Coordinator in Amnesty International Ukraine; being a victim of a racially motivated attack in Kiev, he launched a campaign against racism and xenophobia in Ukraine.
• Mysteries of Old Kyiv – a local historian and writer who had been researching this city for all his life.
• Woman Living With HIV – an active member of an organisation of “people living with HIV”, who managed to take a hold of her own life and achieve goals.
• Commercial Sex Worker – a social worker with first-hand experience of having to survive as a homeless sex-worker in an unforgiving city.

After having read the Books, readers filled in the questionnaire to record their impressions and wishes regarding future books for the Living Library. Amongst the latter are “People’s Deputy”, “Skinhead”, “Ukrainian that Lived abroad”, “Physically Disabled Person”, “Representative of Marginalised Subculture” and “Celebrity”.

The following comments from readers are the brightest acknowledgment of the Living Library success:

“I had a chance to talk to people who I could never have met in other circumstances”

“I have never thought about refugees, did not know who they were and where they came from or what problems they face. Thanks to the book, I learned a lot about this topic”

“I learned a lot of what I always wanted to understand. Brilliant idea indeed, I wish it happens more often”

“The project enormously broadened my vision, was very interesting to talk to such a different people. This is much more interesting than an ordinary library”

“Once again it has been proved that all people are similar and have a lot in common”

 And here are some thoughts from the organisers and the Books about the Living Library:

 "No doubts we achieved our modest goal. People came and at first rather sceptically took our invitation to choose a book; however, later they could not stop reading. One of the readers even became a book himself and with enthusiasm recounted other readers about his travels throughout the world. Taking into consideration the success of the project, we are already now planning future Living Library events and wish to welcome anyone interested in joining us as either, Living Books, Librarians or Readers" - says Anna Belousova, UNV programme in Ukraine.

“The project is very appealing to me for it allowed me to meet representatives of very diverse groups, which I don’t meet in my daily life. It is very interesting to communicate with the project participants, as they are thinking about their lives, and are not afraid to talk about it. This Library is a treasury of diverse people. I hope it provides answers to the questions people usually do not ask. Next time when encountering a representative of a certain social group, people would immediately think about the book they had a conversation with, and possibly would change their attitudes of other peoples lives” – reflects Ania, the Living Book.

“I have a rather routine job, which lacks novelty and challenges, whereas in the Library I meet a lot of interesting people. I feel my work here is useful and brings changes. This is way better than watching TV or playing computer games. Apart from that, I acquire new skills, get to know new friends” – Vasyl, the volunteer.

 “The project took place within the World AIDS Memorial Day, but it is not only about HIV/AIDS. It also has to do with diversity and interpersonal communication –these are very essential values in terms of our response to the epidemic on both society and individuals” – commented Olga Golichenko, International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine.

 All people fond of reading could exchange them at official Bookcrossing Zone that worked during the Living Library.

You can read more about Living Library at the blog

Organisers and partners:

International HIV/AIDS Alliance in Ukraine, UN Volunteers in Ukraine, European Youth Parliament – Ukraine, MTV Ukraine, Kyiv Centre of Social Services for Family, Youth and Children.