Staff
Anyone interested in hearing stories of local residents should stop by the Fort Frances Public Library tonight.
The second-annual “Human Library,” hosted by the library in partnership with the local Celebrating Diversity committee, will run from 6-8 p.m.
“In a human library, people become the ‘books’ and are ‘borrowed’ for conversation,” explained library CEO Alicia Subnaik Kilgour.
“The human ‘books’ come from all backgrounds and ways of life, but they all have one thing in common—for different reasons, they are often subjected to stereotyping or prejudice,” she noted.
While organizers only secured a few “books” for tonight’s event, Subnaik Kilgour is pleased with the volunteers.
“They have such amazing stories,” she enthused.
“I hope people will come out to hear what they have to say.”
The “books” include Hue Eldridge, who came to Fort Frances from Vietnam in 1979, Curtis Boivin, who was involved in a high-speed snowmobile accident back in 2011, and Curran Strachan.
The “books” and “readers” are able to meet for a “loan period” of up to 20 minutes in the library to listen, ask questions, and share experiences.
Subnaik Kilgour said locations will assigned for the “reader” and “book” to sit.
“We will use some of our intimate spaces throughout the library, so the cozy, comfortable chairs,” she noted.
She added a person can indicate which “book” they would like to check out.
“The event is a brilliant way to give people a better understanding and respect for the stories, successes, and tribulations that some people endure in our community,” said Nicke Paddock, who is co-chair of the Celebrating Diversity committee.
For more information, call the library at 274-9879.
