This library has no books.
Thats right – instead this unique concept called the “Living library” lets you “borrow” individuals for half an hour of dialog. The individuals represent stereotypes that are targets of prejudice or hatred. The “Living Library” was started by Ronni Abergel, a Danish anti-violence campaigner who has taken this concept to more than 12 countries around the world. (link) ( Tip :Karthik via email)
At this east London library on a recent Saturday, there were 26 “books” available, including a Muslim, an immigrant, a transgender individual, a witch, and an Indian atheist.
Readers borrow them for half an hour, hear their narrative, question them, even pry a little, and – so the theory goes – break down some of their preconceptions and stop “judging the book by the cover.”
The idea is that dialog promotes tolerance and understanding.
At one table, a Rwandan refugee explains to a listener why immigrants cannot be dismissed both as a drain on the public purse and a threat to local jobs. At another, a transgender individual relates why she felt biologically compelled to change sex. An Indian atheist and a Muslim are setting forth their worldview to “readers.”
While I applaud the concept and the idealism behind it, I do think that an event like this will attract people who are already open -minded and willing to talk. Its highly unlikely that a truly prejudiced person could be -bothered to come prepared to face at close quarters whatever they are prejudiced against. A thirty-minute conversation is also not going to change the world – but small steps are always a good start to something bigger. On some level, I am uncomfortable with the idea of identifying stereotypes – it somehow seems to legitimize prejudice. On the other hand, one cannot pretend that prejudice does not exist. Maybe acknowledging it openly is a good thing.
All the “living books” are unpaid volunteers who donate their time because they want a chance to explain their beliefs or lifestyle. While I understand the inclusion of a Muslim because of the prejudice and xenophobia that has become endemic in the Western world, I struggle to understand whether the Indian atheist was included because s/he is a) Indian b) an atheist c) the anti-stereotype of the “spiritual ” Indian!
I also wonder if the composition of the Library takes into account local conditions: After all as exotic and ‘different ‘ (and “worthy” of prejudice!) an Indian Atheist may be to Londoners, I do not think that will be a big deal in India!
The organizers of the “Living Library” plan to bring it to the United States with a visit to Fort Wayne, Indiana already confirmed. Is this something that intrigues you? Opinions?
UPDATE: The “Living Library” is now a reality in la- la land of Santa Monica ,California (link)
Fourteen “living books” will be on hand in this trendy, liberal city, representing an encyclopedia of knowledge on such subjects as nudism, Buddhism and foodism. That’s because one of them is a real, live nudist, two are Buddhists and another is a vegan.
( The nudist will be fully clothed – before you ask!)
The rules that the “borrowers” must agree to include:
“The reader must return the book in the same mental and physical condition as borrowed. It is forbidden to cause damage to the book, tear out or bend pages, get food or drink spilled over the book or hurt her or his dignity in any other way.”
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