Organization
HE FIRST EDITION
Living Library NL originally started in Groningen (2014). The first edition took place in the Groninger Forum. Since 2017 we also organize Living Libraries in other cities, with the support of Europe Direct. You can view all previous editions here.
EUROPE DIRECT
Europe Direct brings European policies closer to the people. In this case it is about respect for diversity. We live in Europe together with a lot of different people, without knowing much of each other sometimes. With the Living Library people come closer together. Non-discrimination is an important value of the European Union.
QUALITY
Living Library NL uses strict quality norms. For example, on beforehand there is a training for all books and volunteers and we make a catalogue. We also pay extra attention to safety: for example, all human books "need to be returned in the same physical and mental state". Read here more about our methodology. Four master thesis studies have been published about the Living Library. Find more here.
THE ORIGIN
The concept of the Living Library was originally developed in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the year 2000. The first edition took place at the festival Roskilde and it was organized by a group of young people. Thanks to the Council of Europe the concept was spread all over Europe and it takes place in many countries.
CONTACT
For more information, please contact us.
Team
Project managers: Mila Sihombing, Jasmijn Haze, Eva Alkema
Director and founder: Martijn Bergsma
Volunteers
The Living Library cannot exist without the efforts of countless volunteers. They help the living books and sit at the desk or at the evaluation table. You can see a selection of photos below.
