Program allows library users to “borrow” people
On March 20, the Human Library program in London will give library visitors the chance to speak informally with “people on loan.” The “loaned” people are volunteers who are prepared to speak openly about their troubled lives in a bid to dispel myths and stereotypes about street youth and those with a troubled past. “It’s a really simple concept that mimics what we do with books,” said Ellen Hobin, an administrator for volunteer services at the London Central Library, on the program, which was originally started in Denmark. “I don’t want to change somebody’s mind. I just want to add to it,” said Andrew Clark, a living book volunteer who ran away from home at 16, dropped out of school, and lived on the street.