BIBLIOTECA VIVIENTE launch a success in Spain.

On the 18th of September the first Human Library in Spain was presented by the Association CAZALLA INTERCULTURAL in cooperation with the Department of Youth and Education of the City Council of Lorca. The event took place from 6pm until 9pm in front and inside the Biblioteca Municipal Pilar Barnes de Lorca (public library in Lorca) and it attracted more than 100 readers. It was three hours of powerful and seminal conversations, where according to organisers, visitors could literally feel the positive energy present.

Buddhist among bestsellers.

A list of 20 living books had volunteered to represent 16 different stereotypes which are typical or specific to this region of Spain. The Human Library provided its readers with the opportunity to take part in constructive interpersonal dialogues between people which normally do not have an occasion or opportunity to speak with on another. Among the bestsellers of the event in Lorca, where the Buddhist book, the Homosexual book and the first edition: "The Ex-NYC Cab Driver" (and lived to tell the story) book. During the three hour event neither the staff nor the books had time to take a break.

Perfect place – lovely people.

According to feedback from the books and readers, the choice of location for the Human Library was perfect. Plaza Real is a frequented meeting point for the locals (Lorcinos) and because it was in a public library, everybody, no matter age or background had a chance to take part. The two main organisers (EVS volunteers from Austria and Hungary) went to great lenghts to make sure that the books and librarians where able to perform their tasks in a functional setting. Resulting in the creation of a warm and accomodating atmosphere for readers and books alike. The feeling seemed to be that this was a space where everyone could have eye to eye exchanges of matters at heart.

Side events: Graffiti show and international cuisine.

To stimulate an ambience of multiculturalism as well as to attract readers off the street, young graffiti artists of the region volunteered to create Graffiti street art on the Plaza in front of the Human Library. They used this method to express their feelings about stereotypes. A volunteer from Greece had prepared various appetizers from different countries and a selection of intercultural music sounded in the background as chatter from the readers and books went on through the event.

Calls for more events.

This was a very powerful event that left strong impressions on all involved. Organisers did not hesitate to announce the pilot project a succes. It was overwhelming how many books and readers asked for a repetition and continuation of the BIBLIOTECA VIVIENTE.  A local radio station inspired by the Human Library is considering producing a series of interviews with the "libros humanos" (living books). The event also attracted attention from new potential organisers from other regions of Spain, that are interested in hosting a Human Library. Local organiser and the first to present the Human Library in Spain, Cazalla Intercultural organisation, is already joining forces with local partners to include a Human Library in next years Emigration Forum.

 For more information about the Spanish Human Library contact Ms. Magdalena Meusburger.