Reading books can help you to learn about other people, cultures and communities. We're working to diversify the library collection to represent our university community and understand each other better. But what if your book could talk back? What if you could ask questions and get answers about someone else's experiences? That's where Living Books come in. A Living Book is someone who has a story to tell. This could be because of an experience they have had or because of an aspect of their identity. Living Books often come from more marginalised communities. A Living Book, though, can be anyone with a perspective to share. Living Books are 'borrowed' for a personal conversation with someone who wants to learn more about them.
The Library has helped to organise some very rewarding Living Books events at Swansea University. This page has more information about those events. We've also included resources that can help if you would like to organise a Living Books event of your own.
The Living Books Toolkit is written by colleagues from the Library, SALT and Faith & Community @CampusLife. It draws on their experience of Living Books events at Swansea University. It will help anyone who would like to organise a similar event.
Sway reports on Living Books events that have involved the Library are available on this page. The reports include feedback from participants and organisers. The reports are also available to read as Word documents, accessed via the link below.
Living Books March 2023
Living Books March 2022
A Brave New World November 2020
If you’ve heard about Living Books but aren’t sure what they are, then this Pinch of SALT podcast is for you! Books and organisers talk about their involvement with Living Books events in Swansea University.
You can read more about Living Books on the Library News blog.
