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What happens when the books talk back? Living Books do!
What is a Living Library?
The Living Library is an innovative 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.
See pictures from the opening of City of Ryde's Living Library and 'readers' comments.
What are Living Books?
Living Books are members of our local community who donate their time and experiences to be part of the Living Library. Topics include:
- 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.
Living Library Catalogue
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Andrew
Title: Understanding our Universe
Topic: Astronomy/cosmology, our solar system, our galaxy and its stars, other galaxies & the universe, life as an astronomer, science/physics in general, science & religion, science education & science in schools. |
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Christine
Title: I'm not Loopy, I have Lupus
Topic: Four years ago Christine was diagnosed with a chronic illness called lupus. Her symptoms come in different forms including joint pain & kidney failure. She can share her experience of living with this disease that at least 5 million people worldwide have.
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Elim
Title: Meetings with God
Topic: Elim would like to talk about his journey from traditional religion to a personal relationship with God resulting in a change from medical practitioner to a minister in a christian ethnic church. The highlights are the many encounters with divine spirituality along this journey and how these continue to change his life. |
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Gregory
Title: Writing for Children
Topic: What are the important elements in children's books? What language do you use? What is the place and function of illustrations? Do you trial or rely on gut feeling? How and in what form to publish? Commercial publishers?
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Jenny
Title: Keep Guessing - understanding a different culture
Topic: Jenny migrated from China to Australia where she found everything was different - culture, lifestyle, background, food, language & education. There was plenty of room for misunderstanding due to cultural differences. She was a high school teacher in China but is now an accountant. |
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Judy
Title: Being the Mother of a Gay Child & representing PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays)
Topic: My journey on learning that I had a gay child through to acceptance & becoming an advocate on behalf of gay & lesbian rights issues.
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Kate
Title: Transgender Woman
Topic: Kate was born John in 1935. She grew up in Scotland, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand & the Gilbert Islands, (now Kiribati). From the age of earliest memory she believed she was female but did not know anything could be done. When she was 16 she heard of Christine Jorgensen, the first widely publicised gender reassignment. She transitioned at the age of 52 & since has devoted much of her time to telling others what it is like to be transgender. |
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Lina
Title: My Life Journey - from China to Australia
Topic: In the 1980s in China Lina had a dream that she was a fish trapped in mud & a net. This made her want to seek a way to break these barriers & change her life. In the 1990s she dreamt she was a fish that could jump. Lina felt she went from not even knowing she had choices in life to feeling trapped and finally, as China became freer, to realising she had plenty of options in life. She is now living happily in Australia.
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Marina
Title: Growing Up Italian in Australia
Topic: Marina grew up in Newcastle as an Australian citizen with Italian parents. Being born in the 1960s with an Italian background wasn't easy as migrants were not as accepted then as they are these days - customs, food, home life & school were different to those of Aussie friends. Marina has lots of funny stories about her parents mistakes with speaking English & many other awkward situations. |
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Mary
Title: Widowhood at 30 in a New Country
Topic: After coming to Australia as a bride Mary was widowed at 30. She will talk about what it was like living in a new country with no family. |
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Narelle
Title: Being the Mother of a Gay Child & representing PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbian & Gays)
Topic: My journey on learning that I had a gay child through to acceptance & becoming an advocate on behalf of gay & lesbian rights issues.
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Peter
Title: Archaeology in Australia
Topic: Does Australia have any archaeology? Yes, & much of it is a great deal older than the pyramids of Egypt. Peter works as a consultant with numerous archaeologists mainly on Aboriginal sites but also on European sites in NSW. Come & explore some of our local treasures. They are much closer to home than you would expect. |
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Sunita
Title: Post Natal Problems
Topic: Sunitha has dealt with overcoming post natal depression, getting back into shape & taking care of her child on her own. She would like to share her experience on prioritising life & making career decisions while raising a family.
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Susana
Title: My Good Friend, Bipolar
Topic: What a relief when my doctor said to me: Susana, you are very lucky, because I can now diagnose your condition; you have Bipolar Mood Disorder, a manageable illness. This is a story of successfully conquering the extreme highs (psychosis) & major depression experienced during 2 episodes of Bipolar Disorder. |
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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 volunteer run classical music station (Classical music is her passion) & is an Authorised Civil Celebrant presiding over marriage, naming, funeral, commitment (same sex) & renewal of vows ceremonies. She speaks, English, French & Hungarian. An interesting person with diverse interests including speaking on behalf of voluntary organisations about health matters for elderly people.
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