Marta: The Living Library project I realised with Orsi and Tünde we can call a real success!
It took place during the Magdi festival on 16/05/2009 between 2-6pm. The methodology of the Living Library was taken from the Living Library Network Association (www.living-library.org) with their acceptance and blessing. We could use legally their logo and all the materials provided on their website. The most difficult part of the project was looking for living books, but eventually, mostly due to personal contacts and huge work of Orsi and Tünde, we managed to have 5 books: feminist, lesbian, ex-priest, ex-druggie and refugee from Afghanistan. It was even more rewarding when it turned out that most of them speak English or French so we could read the books in foreign languages as well. There were more than 20 readings and all the books were borrowed almost all the time!
Living library is a tool to fight prejudice and promote tolerance. It is a unique chance to talk to people we usually do not have a chance to talk and ask them things we have always wanted to ask but never got the chance!
I want to thank all the people who sacrificed their time and heart to this project:Moni for letting me do it; Orsi, Tunde and Ida for finding the books; books and volunteers for arranging the place; Pawel for fixing the copying machine, Amanda and books for hanging the posters; Tunde and Pawel for artistic help in painting the banner; Rony from UK for help and support in my questions; readers for their respect for diversity and simply for coming there and of course books for having courage to talk about their lives. Without you it wouldn't have worked!
