Living Library (LL) is a project based on the idea that interpersonal communication between representatives of general society and diverse groups can dispel stereotypes, reduce intolerance and build a diverse society. The project has been promoted by the Council of Europe and has been implemented in Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Portugal, Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic. The first Living Library in Ukraine will be “opened” this year, and we are pleased to invite you to join this exciting initiative.

Living Library functions like a common library as we all know it – reader's come, fill in a readers’ card, choose a book and borrow it for a limited period. However, there is just one difference in LL: the “Books” are not paper books. The books in the LL are human beings representing diverse groups that often face prejudices and stereotypes and who are often victims of discrimination or social exclusion.

Who are the Players in Living Library?

Book – is a person who is marginalised due to his/her ethnicity, religion, profession, sexuality, social status, health, background, etc. He/she is willing to open up about himself/herself by talking, discussing and debating controversial issues with a Reader. As an example, book titles are: HIV+ person, Asylum-Seeker, Refugee, Former drug user, Former inmate, Feminist, Muslim, Priest, Jew, Civil Servant, Gay, Vegetarian, Social workers.

Reader is any visitor of LL who is interested in getting to know more about particular group that a Book represents, pose taboo questions… always in a friendly and open-minded environment.

Librarian is a person who facilitates a contact between Book and Reader. He/she is able to explain the concept of Living Library as well as its rules and takes care of technical issues (timing, registration procedure, collecting questionnaires from Readers etc.)

Where? When?

Tarasa Shevchenko Park in Kyiv, May 18. Operational hours: 11 am - 5 pm.

How?

• Reader comes to LL and registers
• He/she picks up the Book from the catalogue he/she is interested in
• Reader confirms to keep confidentiality by signing The Loan Rules – responsibility of Librarian
• Reading can start (Book & Reader’s part). Reading in the Living library means discussing whatever you are interested in, whatever you would like to find out about this Book and your book is willing to share with the Reader
• Time for reading each Book is limited.

See the blog of Living Library in Ukrainian >>>...

You can also download the "Don't judge a book by its cover" Guide at: eycb.coe.int/eycbwwwroot/HRE/eng/documents/LL%20english%20final.pdf