every person is a book, every life tells a story
TRANSCRIPT
Every Person Is A BookEvery Life Tells A Story
Tatiana CalhamerReaders Services LibrarianGail Borden Public Library
Elgin, Illinois
Stories: On our shelves, on our streets
From papyrus scrolls to “hot off the Gutenberg press” bestsellers to e-books, libraries have a long tradition of preserving and promoting stories.
Some of the most fascinating books you'll ever read are the life stories told by your friends and neighbors. Connect your patrons with the wonderful and compelling stories that walk through your doors every day.
What is a “human library?”
The original Human Library was established in Denmark in 2000 and has spread to over 27 countries. Human Library Chicago presents an annual event, which inspired me.
Note: Gail Borden Public Library wasn’t able to use the name of the international event. Your library must apply at www.humanlibrary.org in order to use the trademarked name, but only if you are accepted to host such an event.
Seven people from Elgin’s Hispanic community shared their stories to over 40 readers during our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
on Sunday, Oct. 12th, 2014.
What is a“Book That Lives?”
Volunteers signed up to be “books” and shared their life stories with “readers,” who “checked out” their books for a “loan period.” During the 30 min. “loan period,” each Book That Lives told their story, followed by a conversation with the “reader.”
Most of our books were bilingual and told their stories in both English and Spanish.
Former NBC cameraman Rick Rodriguez weaves his tale of adventure to an enthralled reader:
Planning your event
Determine the time frame of your event. Each book should have time to tell their story, then allow time for conversation with the reader, and a break for the book in between “loan periods.” Our event had 30 min. loan periods—10 min. for the book, 10 min. for conversation, and a 10 min. break for the book. We planned a 2 hr. long event with 7 books.
Putting together your catalogof Books That Live
Think of all those people you’ve run into with compelling stories. Reach out and encourage them to share their stories as human books.
Have your books compose a title for their life story and a brief summary, which you can use for publicity purposes, and also for the catalog on the day of your event. You may also want a photo of your book to use on the cover.
Putting together the catalog took 2 months—allow enough time for this most important task.
What stories are out there?
Take an inventory of the communities within your community: immigrants/refugees, veterans, pioneer descendants, longtime residents, artists, entrepreneurs, survivors/overcomers, even animals!
Reach out and establish connections, and be alert to individuals with stories to share.
Chef Helen Lopez-Strom invites her readers to inhale the scents of cilantro y cebolla:
Each book should have their own space: seating for the book and their readers, and enough room so that books aren’t struggling to make themselves heard and the reader can enjoy a one-on-one experience.
Before the day of the event, give your Books an outline or orientation of what to expect, when to arrive, whom to call with questions, etc.
For the day of the event, set up a “circulation desk,” a table where attendees can see what books are available and check them out.
Staff the “circulation desk” with one person to check when a particular book is available. Have a master schedule drawn up. Fill in the reader’s name in the appropriate time slot and keep it up-to-date. Another person can escort the reader to where their book is seated.
Don’t forget to alert the media!
Library graphic artist Daniel designed “library cards” for the event. The cards listed the time slots available that readers could fill in with the titles of their checked-out books.
Every person is a book…
Every life tells a story…
Books in our catalog included a chef cooking heritage dishes, an NBC cameraman, the first Latina Illinois State Trooper, a formerly-undocumented student who survived
domestic abuse, a Korean-Mexican couple blending family traditions, and an urban planner starting over in America.
The catalog also offered a “multi-volume set:” the local domino club originally from Puerto Rico.
• All of these books were designed by our talented graphic artist Daniel. The covers were then mounted on foam board. These “mock books” were on display during the event for readers to “browse.”
Suggestions:
Use a project management tool to keep track of tasks as you plan your event.
You can do on-site circulation of your human books, or advance reservations. Try online check-outs!
Provide refreshments for an extra-festive event. Make sure you have water for your books, who will be taxing their voices.
Enlist volunteers to help readers choose books, escort readers to their books, and provide hospitality.
Other storytelling opportunities
StoryCorps@YourLibrary
Veterans History Project—Library Of Congress
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Oral History Program (Non-Illinois: check your state library for similar programs)
Local writers’ groups (find out who has written memoirs)
Local history outlets—museums, festivals, etc.
Thank you very much!Please contact me with any questions/comments:
Tatiana Calhamer
Gail Borden Public Library
270 N. Grove
Elgin, IL 60120
847-289-5838