(1) Lesleigh Owen, self-proclaimed "fat activist," who stands up for the rights of plus-size people, speaks with her "reader," David Tandet, during Santa Monica Public Library’s first Living Library on Saturday, October 18, 2008. (2) Feminist and President of the Hollywood chapter of the National Organization for Women, Lindsey Horvath, 26, speak to her reader, Lucy Baddeley. (3) Santa Monica High School student, Desire Johnson, 17, (left) and feminist, Lindsey Horvath, 26, speak with their readers. (4) Buddhist Michelle Berk, speaks with her reader, Ariella Umansky, 9. (5) Cancer Survivor, Judy Lapatka, speaks with her reader, King Ismail, 32.
A Buddhist, a teenager, a nudist and a raw foodist were just a few of the 'Living Books' who were available to be check out for a 30 minute conversation at Santa Monica Public Library’s first Living Library on Saturday. During this unique event, a group of 14 volunteers served as “Living Books” who shared their personal life stories with a “Reader”. It was an opportunity to bring together people who have special interests, beliefs or experiences to speak with people from different backgrounds to share their personal story. Books and Readers had the opportunity to speak in private and personally in a structured, protected, free space within a limited time but without any further commitment. Once returned they could borrow another Book. The Living Library idea is simple – a personal conversation can break down prejudices and pre-conceptions and dialogue fosters understanding and tolerance.
Santa Monica Public Library was the first in a wave of libraries across the United States to host a Living Library. Greg Mullen, City Librarian, says of the Living Library event “Santa Monica Public Library is proud to host this innovative and unique event that will allow the community to come together to learn more about each other. “ The Living Library Project was first presented in 2000 to the public in Denmark at the Roskilde Festival. Since then, it has been adopted by organizations in Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, and Portugal.