Hear fascinating stories at Our Living Library project drop-in event

A woman who set up a girls football team in the 1980s; a resident who experienced severe flooding and an adult who was a child during the second world war are just some of the fascinating stories being featured in the Our Living Library community event taking place later this month.

 

Our Living Library will take place on Saturday 28 March from 10am until 1pm at The Assembly Rooms in North Street, Chichester. People of all ages are encouraged to come along to the human library and borrow a book. After choosing their title, they can either read it or have a one-to-one conversation with a volunteer storyteller who will share that personal story or experience.

 

The borrow day is the culmination of a three-month project that has been spearheaded by the districts Culture Spark initiative through funding secured by Chichester District Council.

 

Back in January Culture Spark issued a call out for people to come forward with a story that they would like to share with the wider community. In addition, the project also recruited several volunteer story gatherers to help record these stories and to tell them on behalf of those who had come forward. As part of the project, workshops have also been held to support people to capture stories and relay them effectively.

 

The drop-in event runs from 10am until 1pm and is open to all. As well as hearing the stories that have already been gathered, people are welcome to come along and share their own stories. Storyteller Danyah Miller and visual artist Vicky Brown will be on hand ready to share stories and help people interpret them visually.

 

There will also be two short local films, one of which has been created by local school children in collaboration with Chichester Festival Theatre. 

 

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

 

This event will feature some fascinating stories from people of all walks of life, says Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Place at Sport at Chichester District Council. I am sure that by borrowing some of these human books people will gain real insight into a variety of subjects and experiences which is what the event is all about. Id like to say a huge thank you to all those who have come forward with their stories and experiences and those who have volunteered as storytellers. I would really encourage people to come along for the day, grab a cuppa and embark on a voyage of discovery.

 

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

 

For more information about the project and the drop-in event, people are asked to email culturespark2022@gmail.com