“living books” portray roles such as an African storyteller, a physicist, a police officer, openly gay people, and a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf. In other words, the project presents women and men who tend to trigger prejudices and be associated with stereotypes among the readers. As part of the Vienna-based project, these characters are open to questions and answers. The “readings” are held in a public space. The “live library” adapts to the space and situation and becomes a flexible, open and integrating dialogue-based event. During respectful encounters and open dialogues, very normal people from very different and often unfamiliar worlds have a chance to get to know one another. In 2008, “living books” were presented at a total of 24 events all round Austria. On September 30th 2016 living books took place for the last time. The project counts its success in 114 events – many times in cooperation with project partners; almost 10.000 visitors, about 2.000 “living books” and approximately 900 (mostly volunteer) co-workers.
living books - Die "Lebende Bibliothek"
1. cena 2008
Země: Rakousko
Region: Vídeň
Pole působnosti: Mimoškolní vzdělávání, Vzdělávání dospělých, Migrace
Kdo stojí za projektem: Der Verein wurde im Jahr 2017 aufgelöst
Odpovědná osoba: Christian Hortulany (Kontaktdaten in der Projektbeschreibung sind nicht mehr aktuell)
The jury awarded the project first prize for “making life easier” and for “capturing the public’s interest with respect and openness rather than dogma.”