What is a Human Library?

A Human Library (formally known as Living Library) is a community-based initiative, which aims to bring people together in a one-to-one conversation, to encourage understanding, challenge negative stereotypes and reduce prejudice. It is a simple yet powerful strategy for building social cohesion between diverse community members who wouldn't ordinarily meet.

What are Living Books?

Living Books are members of our local community who donate their time and experiences to be part of the Human Library. They talk about topics such as:

• migrating from another country
• serious health issues
• alternative lifestyles
• travel, jobs and hobbies.

If you think you have a story to share, find out more about how to become a Living Book.

Human Library Sessions

Human Library sessions are set up on an ad-hoc basis. Information on sessions will be provided on this site when available. 

Listed below are our Living Books:

• Andrew
  Title: Understanding our Universe
  Topic: Astronomy/cosmology, our solar system, our galaxy and its stars, other galaxies and the universe, life as an astronomer, science/physics in general, science and religion, science education and science in schools.
• Christine
  Title: I'm not Loopy, I have Lupus
  Topic: Living with Lupus. Christine was diagnosed with Lupus four years ago. Her symptoms include joint pain and kidney failure.
• Elim
  Title: Meetings with God
  Topic: A journey from traditional religion to a personal relationship with God. Elim changed from a medical practitioner to a minister in a Christian ethnic church. He talks of his encounters with divine spirituality along this journey and how these continue to change his life.
• Gregory
  Title: Writing for Children
  Topic: Important elements in children's books - the language to use, the place and function of illustrations, how to get published, the form in which to publish and using commercial publishers.
• Jenny
  Title: Keep Guessing - Understanding a Different Culture
  Topic: Experience of being a migrant in a new country where the culture, lifestyle, food, language and education is vastly different. Jenny migrated from China to Australia where she found the cultural differences a challenge. She was a high school teacher in China but now works as an accountant.
• Judy
  Title: Being the Mother of a Gay Child and Representing PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
  Topic: A parent's journey of discovery and acceptance of her gay child. Judy is now an advocate for gay and lesbian issues.
• Kate
  Title: Transgender Woman
  Topic: Life as a transgender person. The transition from being a man to a woman. Kate was born as John in 1935. She has lived in Scotland, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati). 
• Lina
  Title: My Life Journey from China to Australia
  Topic: Having options in life. Moving from China to Australia, Lina had felt trapped but her dreams made her realise that she had choices and could break free and change her life. Lina is now living happily in Australia.
• Marina
  Title: Growing up Italian in Australia
  Topic: Funny stories about the mistakes made by Marina's parents in speaking English and other awkward situations. Marina grew up in Newcastle in the 1960s. The customs, food, home life and school was very different and migrants were not as accepted then as they are now.
• Mary
  Title: Widowhood at 30 in a New Country
  Topic: Living in a new country without a family. Mary was widowed at the age of 30, not long after coming to Australia.
• Narelle
  Title: Being the Mother of a Gay Child and Representing PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)
  Topic: A parent's journey of discovery and acceptance of her gay child. Narelle is now an advocate for gay and lesbian issues.
• Peter
  Title: Archaeology in Australia
  Topic: Learn about your local treasures and archaeology in Australia. Much of the archaeology is a great deal older than the pyramids of Egypt. Peter works as a consultant with numerous archaeologists on Aboriginal and European sites in NSW.
• Sunitha
  Title: Post Natal Problems
  Topic: Overcoming post natal depression, getting back into shape, learning to prioritise and making career decisions while raising a family. Sunitha is back to taking care of her child on her own.
• Susana
  Title: My Good Friend, Bipolar
  Topic: Conquering the extreme highs and lows of Bipolar Mood Disorder.
• Susanne
  Title: My Life - Immigration to Australia from Hungary
  Topic: Susanne migrated to Australia from Budapest, Hungary. She has worked as an educator, is a volunteer with 2MBS-FM a classical music station, is an authorised civil celebrant and speaks on behalf of voluntary organisations about health matters for elderly people. She speaks English, French and Hungarian.