On Saturday, October 5, from 10am-2pm, Forbes Library and Northampton Connects will host a community-building event in the Reading Room on the 1st floor.
Living Books is an event in which community members share the experiences that have informed their lives and have shaped how they identify with the world, during brief one-on-one conversations. People who have volunteered to share their story as a “living book” will be available for “check out” by event attendees, who will be given constructive prompts to help begin or gently guide the conversation. Conversations will last 20 minutes and “books” will have 10 minutes to break between conversations.
The purpose of Living Books is to provide a safe and respectful environment that fosters empathy and understanding among people who have more in common than may at first appear, to bridge divides, and to build community. To encourage such an environment, “books” choose how much and in what way they wish to share their story, and “readers” will be offered instructions for how best to care for their “book” along with their prompts. Snacks and beverages will be provided for all participants.
To sign up to become a “Living Book,” fill out this form: bit.ly/forbeslivingbooks2
If you have questions about the event, please email: livingbooks@forbeslibrary.org
Living Books is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.