Human library comes to Bolton

Books will be replaced with people for the day for a special event at Bolton Library.

The event, on Tuesday, June 15, will form part of Refugee Week and is based on the Danish concept of a Human Library.

The Human Library was first launched in 2000 in a bid to break down barriers and understand diversity.

The idea is that people can “borrow” another person – just like a library book – for a set period of time and get to know them, their background, culture and beliefs.

The concept has grown in popularity across the world and, for the first time, Bolton will offer people the chance to choose from a catalogue of human books and learn something new.

Bolton’s human library event will take place between 2pm and 4pm at the Central Library, in Le Mans Crescent.

Human library volunteers will be on loan for up to 20 minutes at a time within the library setting and people will get the chance to sit down and chat with them about their experiences.

As it’s Refugee Week, this provides an opportunity to learn more about the issues faced by people who have travelled from another country and made their home in Bolton.

The event is free of charge and open to all ages, although under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Executive Member for Adult and Community Services, Councillor Elaine Sherrington, said: “The Human Library offers a rare chance for people to learn about others and their experiences.

“It’s a great way of breaking down barriers and understanding different cultures and I hope people will take the time to get to know someone from the wider community.”

For more information, contact event organiser, Janet Carter, on 01204 338763.

Notes to editors:

Information about some of the participants of the Human Library

Peter Yoak: When civil war broke out in the Sudan, Peter and his family lived in a Ugandan camp for nine years. Accepted onto the Gateway Project in 2006, he and his family are now resettled in Bolton. Two of his sons have recently appeared in a community film and drama workshop, ‘Journey Home’ about the experiences of young refugees and the issues they might face.

Katy Kellett: Katy is the headteacher at Starting Point, which provides the children of refugees and asylum seekers the stability to rebuild confidence and trust, and skills to help them integrate into mainstream education. Her enthusiasm, caring approach and dedication is amazing.
 
Rebwar Sulayman: An Iraqi Kurd refugee, Rebwar has first hand experience of what it is like to be a refugee and now helps others, working for Refugee Action.


ENDS

ISSUED BY KAREN SPIBEY, MEDIA RELATIONS TEAM, BOLTON COUNCIL

TEL 01204 332064
EMAIL: karen.spibey@bolton.gov.uk