People Become the Books later this Month in Ottawa

January 18, 2012

Ottawa, Ontario, January 16, 2012— The Ottawa Public Library, the Canadian War Museum and CBC Ottawa have partnered to host a Human Library event on Saturday, January 28, 2012, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Human Libraries provide an exciting opportunity for the public to connect one-on-one with individuals who have diverse life experiences, stories, and knowledge. Just like borrowing a book from a local library, the user can “check out” a human book and have a conversation for approximately 20 minutes.

 Over 60 people from the National Capital Region have volunteered to be a “book” and share their stories. Visitors to the Human Library will be able to converse with individuals such as:  

  • An Algonquin spiritual advisor
  • An OC Transpo bus driver
  • A Canadian Forces Officer (who has a school named after her in Afghanistan)
  • A child protection worker

 The Human Library event will take place at six locations in Ottawa:

 Ottawa Public Library

  • Cumberland Branch, 1599 Tenth Line
  • Greenboro District Library, 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive
  • Main Library, 120 Metcalfe Street
  • Nepean Centrepointe Branch, 101 Centrepointe Drive
  • Stittsville Branch, 1637 Stittsville Main Street

 Canadian War Museum (book list here)

  • Barney Danson Theatre, 1 Vimy Place

 For more information, please visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/HumanLibrary or contact one of the people listed below.

 You can also participate in the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag  #HLOtt.

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Media Contacts:

Virginia Madon
Communications and Community Relations
Ottawa Public Library
T: 613-580-2424 , ext. 41468
virgina.madon@biblioottawalibrary.ca

Avra Gibbs Lamey
Communications and Media Relations Officer
Canadian War Museum
T: 819-776-8607 C: 613-791-0910
avra.gibbs-lamey@warmuseum.ca

Joanne Steventon
Communications Officer
CBC Ottawa
T: 613-288-6448
joanne.steventon@cbc.ca