Human Library- Curator
January 23, 2013
The first weekend of PuSh’s edition of HUMAN LIBRARY proved that as Vancouverites we want to talk to one another, we want to hear each others’ stories, but perhaps we don’t have the vehicles to do so. You can’t launch into your life and struggles during an impromptu bus conversation. But where else are you going to meet people whose lives differ greatly from your own? Our books have been checked out time and time again by readers hungry to connect.
There was huge discovery in these first three days of readers. One young reader told us that his life had been “forever changed” by his experience. Likewise some readers can’t help but come back day after day to hear more of these rarely experienced stories. Some readers have showed up in pairs and checked out the same titles, one after the other, to compare their experiences of hearing the same story. So much of the reader’s experience is driven by what energy they’re bringing to the table: what kind of questions they’re asking, what parts of the story most connect with them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as this is an interactive event. Not a show, per se, but a happening, an interaction, a connection. Whatever you want to call it, you need to experience it in order to fully understand what we’re getting up to.
So why not join the almost 200 readers who visited this first weekend? The library is open for two more weekends (Friday-Sunday) from 12 to 4 at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library. Come early to avoid disappointment as we book up very quickly. While you’re waiting to read your book I encourage you to check out “Sometimes I Think I Can See You” in the library atrium. It’s hypnotic and hugely engaging.
Dave Deveau
Stop the Violence (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Presented by the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and grunt gallery
January 18-20, 25-27 + Feb 1-3, 2013 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, 3rd floor