Human Library in four branches Nov. 5
TORONTO (Wednesday, October 5, 2011) – This year’s “human book” collection has been unveiled for Toronto Public Library’s annual Human Library, a unique opportunity for Torontonians to walk in someone else’s shoes for a few minutes.
The collection includes books on timely subjects such as bullying, suicide, living with a chronic illness, and surviving cancer. We have books on following your dreams, launching your own business, challenging the status quo, being a caregiver to a dying loved one, reaching out during natural disasters and transformation after military conflict.
“We all have a tendency to know what we know and be with who we are familiar with,” said Anne Marie Aikins, community relations manager for the Library. “The Human Library is an opportunity to cross that boundary and be with someone who has a different lived experience.”
“It is also broadens awareness and understanding about important current issues.”
Scheduled in four branches on Saturday, November 5, from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, the program will allow library cardholders to borrow from a selection of over 40 human books, individuals who have volunteered their time to share their unique life experiences. Thanks to the support from the Toronto Public Library Foundation, the Human Library will be held in the following branches:
• Toronto Reference Library (Yonge and Bloor)
• North York Central Library (North of Yonge and Sheppard)
• Cedarbrae (Markham and Lawrence)
• Richview (Islington and Eglinton)
“Living Libraries” were first launched in Copenhagen in the early 1990s to combat prejudice and raise awareness through one-on-one dialogue. Countries all over the world now hold human libraries—Toronto’s is one of the largest.
Library cardholders will be able to begin placing holds on their chosen human books beginning October 22. To learn more about the Human Library and how to participate in the program, visit the Human Library section of our website.
This year the Library will host a preview event, hosted by Francis D'Souza, anchor and reporter for CityNews on October 19, 12:30 – 2:00 pm at Toronto Reference Library. Stay tuned for more information.
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.
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Media Contact:
Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Community Relations, 416-393-7212
aaikins@torontopubliclibrary.ca