Published: 17/04/2009 00:00 - Updated: 16/06/2009 09:27

Your chance to borrow a living book

If you wish to find out about someone’s life story then why not borrow a ‘human book’ this summer.

The Living Library works like a normal library – readers borrow a book for a limited period of time and when they have finished they return it and borrow another.

But there is one key difference – the ‘Books’ in the Living Library are human beings and the reader can talk with that ‘Book’.

The Living Library event will take place on Saturday June 13, 2009 between 10am and pm at Milton Keynes Central Library.

This event will give an opportunity to share someone else’s experiences by allowing people to ‘borrow’ a person who is an expert in their field, has significant life experience, or is passionate about a hobby.

‘Loans’ take the form of a conversation that can last up to 30 minutes and volunteers are asked to commit between two and six hours for the event. Refreshments will be provided and travel expenses for the day paid.

Library staff will be available on the day to give support and assistance.

Cllr Vanessa McPake, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “Libraries are for everyone and this is a wonderful opportunity that a lot of people will find fascinating.

“There have been Living Libraries all over the world from Texas to Tokyo so we are proud to host a Living Library in Milton Keynes. It is a first for this service.”

To find out more about how to volunteer to become a Living Library Book or about the event contact Aggie O’Hara at Milton Keynes Central on

01908 254051 or email reference.library@milton-keynes.gov.uk