Even as the village empties when the major debates are held, the Living Library remains full. Created by the association of the same name in partnership with Un-Deux-Tiers, a group of mediators, to fight against discrimination and prejudice, it gives the public the opportunity to talk with strangers and to learn about their lives, their jobs, their experiences, the causes to which they’re committed and much more. “As a concept, it can take various forms,” explains Natacha Waksman, founding member of the Living Library and president of Un-Deux-Tiers. “For the Normandy World Peace Forum, we’ve focused on people who have worked for peace, such as a caregiver who supports people at the end of their lives so that they can die in peaceful surroundings.” The “reader” chooses a story from a series of summaries (similar to books’ blurbs) and meets his or her “book” during a face-to-face meeting which lasts fifteen minutes. Discussions are often powerful and rewarding. “We share a different chapter with each reader,” says one of the “books” attending the Normandy World Peace Forum, where the concept attracted some 200 readers over 2 days. 

bibliothequevivante.com

Note: On 14 September, the Living Library will be at the Les Semailles library in Cany-Barville, where the focus will be on books by extraordinary women.