US picking up the pace in 2009

After last years US introduction events in Santa Monica and Bainbridge the local organizers are beginning to pick up the pace in the United States. We are proud to announce the next series of events, starting on April Fools Day with a three day Human Library at the University of Arkansas. Other cities to host this spring include Las Vegas, Houston, Los Angeles and Tucson.

University of Arkansas with three day event

At the University of Arkansas local organizers have a special attraction on campus. For three straight days in a row, students, faculty and members of the campus community will be able to sit down with a living book. Loans are offered up to 45 minutes as the local organizers have realised the advantages of a bigger space for the meeting.When you have already put together a big group of volunteer books, marketed your event, then why not keep the thing going a few days. From April 1st on through to the 3rd the reading will take place at the serene Holcombe Hall, an event sure to draw attention. The Human Library is organized by the University Ombuds Office.

Human Library in Las Vegas

On April 4th the patrons of Clark County will have their first chance to visit a Human Library. The action will happen during the annual Reading Las Vegas event, a month long popular community program attracting more than 5.000 visitors to more than 50 different activities. Reading Las Vegas presents special events during Reading Las Vegas including author talks, film screenings, book discussion groups, workshops, performances and an annual book festival. Reading Las Vegas regularly attracts more than 5,000 participants and its marketing campaign was recognized in 2004 with a John Cotton Dana Public Relations Award, which honors outstanding achievement in library public relations. The “Human Library” will be featured during the annual Book Festival, which will be held at the Clark County Library – one of the District’s largest venues.  The Book Festival is a family celebration that includes a used book sale, book appraisals, book restoration and collecting workshops, mini-lectures, writing and publishing workshops, film screenings, a digital bookmobile, activities for youth and more – with an anticipated audience of over 500.

Santa Monica set to go again

On October 18th, 2008, the Santa Monica Public Library was the scene for the first official Human Library in the United States. The outcomes of the event have spurred the local organizers to stage another Human Library in the no-nonsense coastal town. Visitors to the Public Library on April 18th, 2009, are encouraged to come early to book their book.

Bainbridge Island also ready to repeat

As seen with many other first time organizers of the Human Library, the local hosts and readers are left with an appetite for more. The dedicated local organizers from the Bainbridge Public Library have also decided to try out another event. The 19th of April has been reserved at the small Island community off Seattle.

Houston and Tucson to follow

Right behind the above mentioned Living Libraries are new organizers in Houston, Texas and Tucson, Arizona, already plotting their events. The plan is within in 2-3 years to have local organizers in all fifty states. The mission will be supported by a series of introductory workshops for new organizers to be held on the east and west coast.

See our Activities section for more detailed information on upcoming events.