living libraries

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GOSFORD LIVING LIBRARYCommenced in 2007

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Introduction

Heather Davis, Barbara Dawson and Alan Flores make up the Gosford City Library, Living Library Liaison Team.

Gosford City Library’s Living Library was one of the first in Australia.

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How it started

A library customer approached me about setting up a Living Library

I was wary of tree hugging, whale loving, alternative life stylers taking over my library, nevertheless I agreed to ask Council to provide premises and staff and some funds if a steering committee of volunteers would set it up

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The Living Library Steering Committee

Included a psychologist, a sociologist and a teacher Organised two training nights which were well

attended Designed and produced a T shirt and organised a

party for the first session. Vetted all the potential books

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Most potential Books were ideal but:

Some had a personal agenda and wanted to preach it to others

Some just want to hear the sound of their own voice

Some wanted to talk to the masses not the individual

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Obtaining books

We advertised on library notice boards The steering committee was interviewed

on local radio and we gave press releases to the local papers.

The report to council also resulted in a press release and inquiries from potential books.

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Catalogue

Stolen generation; Infertility; Adoption; Dentist; raising a disabled child; Eco peace activist; mental health; Pinochet regime; Feminist; Home schooling; Allergy intolerance; Single parent; Gambling addiction; Forgotten Australians; Mid life crisis.

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Security

Readers limited to 45 minutes to ensure sessions do not get out of hand

Several trained library staff for security. Library staff intervene if pre arranged

signal given by book Books real names not given

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Some Readers want..

Not just to listen, but Answers to questions A printed book to support what they were

hearing Wanted advice Wanted to argue a point

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Benefits

Lots of publicity for the library at little cost. $6,000 over twelve months Catering $500 Extra staff time$3,000 Room rental $1,000 Printing $500 T shirts, posters $1,000

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Mistakes

We relied on the steering committee to manage all the details about the books.

When books did not turn up to a session we could not contact the lost books

We should have made readers reserve a book

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Outside of the box

A Tafe college organised for a class to come and speak to a select group of books. Some wanted to be books to improve their English

We intend to visit some high schools for select books to talk to a class on a theme e.g. The Vietnam Conflict

The Probus club are interested in coming to us as an outing.

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Next Steps

Library staff will become more involved in logistics and management. E.g. publicity, back up books, reminder calls.

Each reading day will be an event Days will be themed More attention given to books, do not take

them for granted.

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Conclusion

Living Library is a great experimental medium. The Library will get more involved with the

volunteers, most likely take a leading role. Will develop more theme nights with living books

and multi media. There will be more outreach and it will be

developed more as a tool to develop community The Gosford Living Library has a great future.