(1) A Mormon, an animal rights activist, a police detective, a fat activist, a feminist, a formerly homeless person, a little person and an ex-gang member were just a few of the 'Living Books' who were available to be checked out for a 30 minute conversation at Santa Monica Public Library’s second Living Library Project on Saturday, April 18, 2009. (2) Lesleigh Owen, self-proclaimed "fat activist," who stands up for the rights of plus-size people, speaks with her "reader," Simram Kwalsa, during Living Library Projecton Saturday. (3) Nate Wyne, a practicing Morman, speaks to his reader. (4) Teenagers Natasha Simmonds, 15, (left) and Keshia Nash, 15 speak to their reader. (5) Micheal Gogin, a little person who is an actor and musician speaks to his reader, Lucy Baddeley.
During this unique event, a group of 18 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.