{"id":93,"date":"2026-07-27T18:11:16","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T18:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/nancylee\/?p=93"},"modified":"2026-07-29T23:23:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T23:23:18","slug":"the-power-of-living-books","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/nancylee\/2026\/07\/27\/the-power-of-living-books\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Stories: Living Books"},"content":{"rendered":"

Libraries are keepers of stories, among our many connective roles, but we\u2019re not the only ones. The concept of humans as \u201cliving books\u201d resonated with me this week, as well as the supportive role libraries can play. People are the keepers of their own stories, and initiatives like the Human Library welcome and elevate storytellers from all walks of life. Their \u201cliving books\u201d are people who are part of marginalized communities including the unhoused, LGBTQ+, disabled, BIPOC, religious, and others that are stereotyped and misunderstood. These books volunteer to be available for checkout, engaging in conversations that can open hearts and challenge prejudices. Founded in Denmark in 2000, the Human Library has now expanded to community venues in over 80 countries around the world from public libraries to farmers markets, from festivals to coworking spaces. The versatility of the Human Library model allows for activations in diverse spaces and neighborhoods, all with the common goal of bringing people together.<\/p>\n

Photo from HumanLibrary.org<\/p><\/div>\n

The city of Wollongong in Australia turned the concept into a Living Books program that highlights and connects community members who share their unique life stories. Their \u201cliving books\u201d come from diverse backgrounds from double amputees to refugees and are updated regularly. Listening to and asking about the lived experiences of neighbors transforms storytelling into a dynamic conversation and relational process with the potential of more than a one-off experience. Wollongong recommends the program for students, community groups and the general public, and the possible venues include but are not limited to the public library.<\/p>\n

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Screenshot of the City of Wollongong Living Books bookshelf on July 27, 2026<\/p><\/div>\n

Another storytelling initiative that happens outside of but is supported by a library is The Korean American Story, an oral history project that records the stories across generations of the Korean diaspora in the U.S. They create videos and live events that capture and share stories past and present, bridging continents, languages, immigration journeys, and communities of Koreans. The organization invites and uplifts stories from Korean American people, paying particular attention to overlooked groups like queer and trans Koreans. The recorded materials are preserved as part of the Korean American Digital Archive (KADA) within the Korean Heritage Library at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. The university library and archives strengthens the reach and duration of these personal and cultural stories.<\/p>\n