What’s Your Story?
The Human Library Would Like to Know!
By Susan Stone
The Human Library, a joint project of the Pawling Central School District and The Pawling Free Library, will return for a sequel in early 2018. Members of the community are invited to participate becoming a “book,” and share their meaningful life story, experiences, wisdom and interests with school staff and members of the public during a Professional Development day this January 12, from noon to 3:00 p.m.
According to the PCSD’s Human Library web site, “This event will connect Human Books with Pawling Central School District (PCSD) educators to enhance relationships between the school and the community.” When you “become a book,” you choose your topic and share your story with a small group of adults (1 – 4 people) in a 20-minute conversation.
The purpose of the Human Library is to inspire and support authentic learning experiences for students by deepening the connections between school and community and growing educator knowledge of the diversity of the Pawling community. The Human Library Project allows participants to engage one another in meaningful communication in a context in which everyone’s story is valued.
Last year, fifty-five “book” participants were evenly divided among school district employees, students, and community members that included Board of Education members, Pawling Rotary members, and parents. There were books at all age ranges, from relative youngsters (ages 16 – 25) up through community seniors (over age 65).
Everyone has a story to tell! What’s yours?
To volunteer to share your story online, log onto PawlingFreeLibrary.org/Human-Library-Project by December 18, click on the WordPress.com address and then click on “Become a Book.”
