‘Check out’ a Human Book at the Picton Library

Photos of Human Books by Johnny C. Y. Lam www.johnnycylam.com

Be provoked. Challenge your presumptions. Listen, and talk and find out exactly what you want to know when you ‘check out’ a Human Book this weekend (or next) at the Picton Branch Library.

“It’s a chance to meet someone you might not otherwise meet, to have a conversation,” said Sarah Phillips, Festival Players artistic director. “You ‘read’ the book – but the book is a person and ‘reading’ is a conversation. 20 minutes. You just sit down and talk. No question is off-limits.”

The Human Library experience started about 15 years ago in Denmark and the project has since had events in more than 70 countries. Readers show up, browse the ‘catalogue’ of ‘books’ and sign up for a reading session.

The Human Library is presented by Festival Players and the PEC Libraries. Check out the following Human Books from noon to 4 p.m. July 8-9 and 15-16. Note, not all books available on all days.

Syrian refugees and brothers, Slieman and Ramez, who settled in Prince Edward County, will discuss fleeing the war in Syria and living in Lebanon for four years before coming to Canada. July 8 (12- 2pm and more TBA)

Lynn suffered postpartum psychosis following a healthy pregnancy, and was diagnosed bi-polar. Ask her about navigating her way through psychiatric care and pharmaceutical developments. July 8 and 15-16

Stacey is a co-ordinator with the TRANSforum group in Belleville. And as a two-spirited Metis Trans Woman, has a passion for betterment of the LGBTQ2S community. July 8-9

Curtis, who grew up bisexual in the County, can explain how he’s battled intolerance, ridicule and assault and how he’s come to feeling at home. July 8-9 and 15-16

Erin understands what it is to be a struggling survivor of single motherhood. When despite all your best efforts, income remains insufficient to meet basic needs, your oldest child is struggling to find himself, you’re supporting your oldest daughter and your youngest children, but no hydro means no running water or electricity, how do you cope? July 8 and 15

Brenda knows about being a cancer survivor and ward nurse.  July 8

Aynsley will help you understand the challenges of being a parent of severely autistic child. In 2005, Aynsley’s bright, funny, chatty 2-year-old son stopped his chatter and withdrew into solitary activities.  July 8-9

Rahno will tell you about being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence July 8-9 and July 15-16

Talk to Joseph about being gay and living with HIV AIDS. He is an artist, an activist, a long term survivor and a community facilitator of stories. July 8-9

Ann spent seven years in the Prison for Women from 1983-1990 and three months on two occasions for politically motivated actions in the 80s. July 16

Teresa, a Sarcoma Cancer Suvivor and advocate, is still coping and will share her lessons learned and experiences. July 15-16

Eric and Rachel, Anarchist and prison abolitionist, are members of 613anarchy, in Kingston and will speak with you about why they think we would be better off without any prisons, or government. July 15-16