Successful Our Living Library event in Chichester proves uplifting and inspirational

Uplifting and inspiring stories have been shared as part of the successful Our Living Library community event that took place in Chichester.

People of all ages were encouraged to come along to the human library at the Assembly Rooms in North Street last month and borrow a book.

The library featured a diverse range of stories including one from a local marine biologist and oceanographer about setting up Harbour Oysters; an account about living with cerebral palsy, a textile designer who makes handbags by repurposing mens suits, another about the healing power of horses and a story from a mother about leaving Ukraine with her two children.

People were invited to enjoy coffee and cake while they sat and listened to inspiring stories about real local people and their extraordinary experiences. Alongside this, people could also listen to a wonderful radio story by Chichester Festival Theatres Festival Friday of Sandal the Piper.

Sarah Peyman, Divisional Manager for Culture and Sport at Chichester District Council says: It was such a wonderful day, with a real cross section of the community coming along to take part and hear these stories. One of the people who attended said they had been through a challenging time recently and felt lifted up by the event and described it as a gem which was so lovely to hear. People were in tune with the fact that this was an opportunity to step away from phones and other screens and connect with people on a one-to-one level, and all those who attended gained real insight into other peoples lives and experiences.

The storytelling day was the culmination of a three-month project that was spearheaded by the districts Culture Spark initiative through UK Government funding which was 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 , including crime fiction and relay them effectively.

Organisers are now looking at the potential of taking the project into local schools and encouraging young people to collect more stories. A number of stories that featured at the live event will also be recorded and then made available at the Culture Spark websitewww.culturesparkchi.co.uk in due course.

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

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