Living Library: people as books, and how AOA brings the format to life

What a Living Library is

A Living Library is a format where people become “books” and the other participants become “readers.” Each “book” shares their story: an experience you rarely hear about in everyday conversation. It might be a story of migration, a career change, overcoming addiction, living with a disability, or any other experience that breaks down stereotypes.

How it works in AOA

AOA has adapted the classic Living Library format for modern venues:

• Catalog of “books”: before the event you see the list of available “books” with a short description of each topic
• Booking: you choose the “book” you want to “read” and reserve a slot
• Session: 20-30 minutes of live conversation in a cozy corner of the venue
• Feedback: after the session, the “reader” can thank the “book” through AOA

Why it works

Depth instead of surface

In everyday conversation we rarely go beyond small talk. A Living Library creates a safe space for deep conversations from the very start. Nobody asks “Where do you work?” here: people listen to a story.

Empathy through experience

Research shows that personal contact with a member of an “other” group is the most effective way to reduce prejudice. When we hear a story first-hand, we start to understand what used to feel foreign.

Safety for the “books”

The “book” decides what to share and where to draw the line. AOA provides moderation and support so the experience is comfortable for both sides.

Who can become a “book”

Everyone has a story worth hearing. In AOA, “books” have included:

• Veterans who have returned to civilian life
• Entrepreneurs who went through bankruptcy and started again
• Parents of children with special needs
• People who changed their country, profession or way of life
• Volunteers who have worked in conflict zones

A Living Library in AOA isn't just an event format. It's a way to build a community where people truly see each other.