Report from the first LIVING Library in the UK.

April 20th at the Swiss Cottage Central Library, members of the community for the first time in the UK, had the opportunity to face their own worst prejudices. At the event hosted by the beautiful London library, 14 books where on display and 49 readers took advantage in four hours. The event was staged in a co-operation between UK organizer Anne Kilroy, Swiss Cottage, Nordic Minister Council and creator Ronni Abergel from the LL network. It was time to introduce the idea to the english public.

Busy librarians.

The Librarians where surprised how busy the sunday at the LIVING Library became.  ”Once we got started, it just kept going at an even pace, with readers becoming more and more caught up. Some came back two and three times to take advantage of this unique possibility. Its definitely something I would happily do again, says volunteer living librarian Lorna Mansfield.

A promising start.

Its always exciting, when presenting in a new country for the first time, to see what books go out first and most. You could say that every Human Library is different and has its own best sellers. The most popular title was the ex-gang member and the disabled person, both booked all day, but also titles such as the gay man and the social worker got great reviews from readers. All readers are asked to do book reviews for future readers and some of them are great fun to read.

Happy co-ordinators.

UK coordinator Anne Kilroy of London and her team where absolutely exhausted after the event, but all smiles and happy with the outcomes.
”Wauw what a great day and some amazing people here”, says Anne Kilroy. Her expectations had been fulfilled and moreover everything was working.
”Its been a big work leading up to this and what a release we got. I hope all of you enjoyed the day as much as I did and thank you for being part of this important event” she told books and library volunteers at a small reception after the event.

Anne Kilroy and her colleagues are already preparing the next event and a plan to bring the methodology nationwide in the UK. The next event takes place at the IDEA Store in Londons White Chapel on May 31st from 11-4.

Contact Ms. Anne Kilroy for more information.