The idea of a Living Library came from an original concept developed by the Danish youth Non Government Organisation “Stop the Violence” in 2000 to counter racism and discrimination in their community. The original inspiration was: “Meet your own prejudice” - literally. Their Living Library operated at large music festivals and invited people who were suffering discrimination and prejudice to be ‘living books’ and sit down with a ‘reader’ who could ask questions about all aspects of their life. It was very successful and since its inception the Living Library concept has been adapted and developed by other organisations and countries to suit their environment, budget and community needs.
Lismore’s Human Library was developed over a period of more than 12 months by a dedicated team of volunteers and community organisations in conjunction with the local Council and Library. Its patron, local State Member, Thomas George, launched Lismore’s Human Library in November 2006 at the Lismore City Library. It was originally designed as a one off event that has since evolved into a monthly event due to the interest shown by the Lismore community.
Lismore’s Living Library takes place on the first Friday of each month and offers a safe and friendly environment where you can meet many people with unusual occupations, lifestyles or from different social, religious and ethnic backgrounds. There are over 50 volunteer 'living books' in Lismore's Human Library catalogue. At each session there are approximately 15 'living books' available for 'readers' to borrow.
The Living Library facilitates personal interactions and new experiences to open people’s minds to a much wider community beyond their familiar circles of reference, educating and informing people about the nature and diversity of our city. The interactions that take place between the ‘living books’ and the ‘readers’ and then later their social groups, provide opportunities to cultivate social cohesion and harmony in the community. ‘Living books’ can be borrowed by registered ‘readers’ for a half hour chat in an area supervised by the Living Library librarians. The library is open from 11am -2pm with new readers registering at each session.
The Lismore City Library’s role developed from a support role into a managerial role and is now responsible for the maintenance of the book catalogue, advertising upcoming Living Library events, organising book availability for sessions and fielding questions about the Living Library from the public, media, interested groups and other libraries. It also provides the systems and infrastructure required to keep a project of this size operating smoothly.
Each Living Library developed throughout the world will be unique as it will have its own issues to deal with, such as; budget, community need and involvement, space, time and so on. Lismore’s Human Library has been successful so far because of its high level of community involvement and their passion for promoting mutual respect and celebrating diversity amongst all people in our community.
For further information on organising a Living Library please refer to the book “Don’t judge a book by its cover! : The Living Library organisers guide” by Ronni Abergel et al, ISBN 9287157669.
Information can also be obtained by contacting the Lismore Area Librarian, Lucy Kinsley, at Lismore City Library on (02) 66212464 or by emailing
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reintroduce you, to the joy of sharing the rhythm and rhyme of nursery rhymes, poems and songs with your baby. Each session involves singing, clapping, musical instruments, poetry and lots and lots of fun with your baby. 
