Staff
In celebration of Ontario Public Library Week, the Fort Frances Public Library will host its third-annual “Human Library” this Monday (Oct. 17) from 6-8 p.m.
As in the previous two years, the library has secured four speakers who will become the “books” that can be “borrowed” for conversation.
They are Lori Yerxa (fashion designer), Kim Jo Bliss (farmer), Brian Keffer (pastor), and Kyla Savage (Treaty #3 constable).
“The human books come from all backgrounds and ways of life,” noted a library press release.
“But they all have one thing in common—for different reasons, they are often subjected to stereotyping or prejudice.”
“Books” and “readers” meet for a loan period of up to 20 minutes in the safe and welcoming environment of the library, with the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and share experiences.
“The ‘Human Library’ creates a new way to connect with each other: one ‘book,’ one ‘reader,’ one conversation at a time,” it added.
The human “books” are volunteers who have agreed to speak openly and with honesty about their own life experiences, especially the challenges they’ve experienced because of stereotyping and prejudice.
Anyone is welcome to attend the event and “check out” a book.
“Bring your curiosity, questions, and a real interest in learning about other people’s lives and perspectives, face-to-face, in a safe and fun environment,” the release said.
Reserve your copy online at www.ffpltc.ca or call the library at 274-9879.
