Call for district residents with captivating stories to tell as part of Living Libraries project

Published 15:41 on 6 Jan 2026

People of all ages in Chichester District who have an amazing story to share are being asked to get involved in a community arts project.

Called Living Libraries, the project is being led by the Culture Spark initiative and will involve asking people to share their stories with volunteers who will then act as storytellers and relay these stories as part of an exciting Living Libraries event in 2026.

The idea is based on a concept that is hugely popular in Denmark, says Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council. Looking for storytellers is the first stage of the project, and were looking for anyone of any age who has something interesting to share with others, it could be a childs experience of being in a sport or a competition or a hobby that they really like, it could be an older person with memories of rationing or the swinging sixties, it could be someone who has something interesting to tell about the city or being left handed or a mini memoir! The aim of the programme is for people to learn and understand aspects of peoples lives and to understand more about the people within their local communities.

The first-ever Living Library was organised in Denmark in 2000 with the aim of breaking down prejudice and promoting better understanding among communities.

Caroline Sharman-Mendoza, of Culture Spark says: At each event there will be a catalogue of books available to be borrowed, each with a title representing the story that has been collected.

Visitors, or readers can choose a book from the catalogue and borrow it. Instead of reading words on a page, the reader has a one-to-one conversation with the book, listening to the personal story and experiences. After the conversation, the book is returned to the library and can be borrowed by another reader. 

But first we need to collect the stories - So we are asking anyone (all ages welcome) who has a story to tell or who would like to collect one and be the book for a day to contact me at culturespark2022@gmail.com to find out more! 

Culture Spark is a creative partnership between Chichester District Council, Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery and is funded by the UK Government.