Library hosts popular human library Nov. 5
TORONTO (Tuesday, November 1, 2011) –Toronto Public Library will be hosting the popular Human Library again this year at four branches across the city to give people the opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes and learn something new.
One of this year’s branches to host the Human Library, which is funded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation, is Richview Branch. The Human Library will take place on Saturday, November 5 from Noon – 5:00 pm.
The public can place a hold on a must-read human book with just their library card by calling (416-394-5120) or by coming into the branch. Spots may also be available the day of the event but people are encouraged to place a hold on their favourite book early to avoid disappointment.
Check out the collection of human books at Richview below.
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow more than 32 million items. As cornerstones of their neighbourhoods, our libraries connect people to each other and to their community, inspiring the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for people of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, please visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
-30-
Media Contact:
Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Community Relations, 416-393-7212 aaikins@torontopubliclibrary.ca
Human Books are available for interviews.
Richview Human Books
Christine Brown
"Walking the Talk"
Christine Brown is a two-time cancer survivor and her 30 years as an educator and counsellor have helped her through her battles with the awareness that "connection to self has value in this process." Currently, she leads therapy groups year round and provides individual and couples therapy as well. Christine's "talk shops" cover self development and assertive communication. She hopes her personal experiences and ability to communicate them openly will offer borrowers the chance to address their fears and concerns more comfortably.
Amy Chan
"Living Life Urgently When Cancer Hits"
When Amy Chan was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago at the age of 38, she didn't spend any time asking 'Why me'. Instead she asked 'Why not me'.
"I cried the first day and also comforted friends who cried for me," Amy says in her excerpt, which is available in both English and Cantonese. "Cancer made me realize that life can change in a split second," she said, so she lives life "urgently" with gratitude and a positive attitude. Amy is now a survivor and peer support volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society.
Sommer Ellis
"When Life Gives You Lemons"
In 2004, Sommer Ellis was a teenager and had just been accepted to the University of Western Ontario when she became part of a growing statistic - young people being diagnosed with cancer. She was lucky to have been diagnosed early as it is often overlooked in teenagers. "With my parents by my side I was given the shocking news that I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma," Sommer says in her foreward. "After the words 'cancer' came out of her mouth, the rest of the appointment is a blur."
She now attempts to live each day to the fullest and will share her belief that everything happens for a reason. A public relations professional, Sommer is also an active Canadian Cancer Society volunteer; runs a bursary program for young adult cancer survivors through a grassroots charity called INFUSION Canada; and a kid coach through Future Possibilities for Kids.
Jeffrey Gruchy
"Building a Healthy Future for Seniors"
Through both personal and professional avenues, Jeff Gruchy relentlessly strives to spread his passion for health and wellness especially when it comes to seniors. With varying experiences across sectors here and overseas, Jeff has firmly re-planted his roots in Toronto and is actively pursuing ways to build a stronger, more sustainable GTA region through his work at the Healthier Living Centre, Downsview Services for Seniors.
"It can keep me up at night worrying about isolated older adults and how to effectively reach out to them," Jeff says in his foreword. But after borrowers hear his stories they will come away feeling refreshed and optimistic about the future of young professionals in our city.
Kanika Gupta
"Social Entrepreneurs Creating Change"
Change happens one person at a time, says Kanika Gupta, who is currently behind SoJo, an innovative online learning tool that helps youth passionate about social change to accelerate their ideas and initiate social ventures.
She founded Nukoko, a Canadian non-profit organization that makes primary education accessible for young girls in rural West Africa. Highly engaged in civic issues and community development, Kanika has worked with the United Nations Development Programme, Canadian International Development Agency, Canadian House of Commons, and grassroots NGOs in West Africa and India.
"These experiences as a social entrepreneur have taught me that individuals are capable of making a difference at a grassroots level, and if supported can make significant change happen," Kanika says. This human book is available in both English and French.
Dominika Milewska
"Living in a Body That Fails You"
This book is younger than you might expect!
Dominika Milewska has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for the last ten years. "As a young woman, I could not believe I was being diagnosed with an old person's disease," she says. "Come join me in a conversation about young people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and help me break the silence about living with chronic pain."
When she was diagnosed, she learned quickly that arthritis affects not only millions of people but people of all ages. As a young person, Dominika struggles with chronic pain and the physical assistance she needs, and the impact they has had on her social life and mental health. She has struggled with depression, especially when first diagnosed, as she came to terms with the changes in her life as a result of her illness. This book helps break a few stereotypes about people living with chronic illness.