Posted on: February 17, 2014
We think you’re interesting. We’re sure others will think so too.
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to take part in an exciting event taking place at this year’s International Days at TRU. Our 2nd annual The Living Library: An Intercultural Exchange, presented by the TRU Library, will facilitate intercultural dialogue between the diverse individuals who make up our TRU community, by lending out living “books” who will speak with participants about their own cultural points of view. These “books” will be available to be borrowed by the “readers” who visit the Living Library event.
We are seeking volunteers willing to become a “book” for loan, by sharing their own cultural experience in one-on-one discussions. This will take place on Wednesday March 
12, from 10:30 – 1:30 at the Starbucks in Old Main. If you can only be there for part of the time because of classes, that’s okay too – just let us know.
If you’re available at this time, and would like to volunteer to be a “book,” please contact Elizabeth Rennie, erennie@tru.ca by Thursday February 27th. Provide your full name, and a bit about who you are, please!
We will let you know on Friday February 28th that you’ve been selected as one of our books, and will then ask you to create a brief biography of yourself, including some of the cultural experiences or perspectives that make you unique. This might mean moving to Canada from another country, traveling to another country, or the differences you’ve 
experienced between your culture and other cultures. We can help students who would like assistance writing their biography. We will need your biography by Friday March 7th.
For example, one of our books might say:
Wendy- Librarian
-Born and raised in Kamloops, BC
-Daughter of a Canadian immigrant
-Studied for 2 years in Montreal, Quebec
-Has traveled to 7 Caribbean countries and 2 Central American countries
-Has family in the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, and Denmark, but has never been to visit
-Studied the Japanese language in school
-Spent time on a small island that is divided between 2 different countries
Then you’ll just need to show up at the Living Library event at around 10:15 on March 12! Other students, faculty, and staff will be invited to come and “borrow” a living book- that’s you! You will then sit and have a conversation with that person- usually about 15-20 minutes with each person who borrows you. You would only need to answer questions or speak about topics that you’re comfortable discussing. These discussions are intended to promote understanding between individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to speak with one another.
What do you think? If you’re interesting in taking part as a volunteer for The Living Library, let us know by February 27th. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the event.
Elizabeth Rennie, Wendy Lehar and Melissa Svendsen
The Living Library Coordinators
Contact: Elizabeth Rennie, erennie@tru.ca
