
Imagine a book that has the answers to many of your questions and problems.
Now picture that book ready and waiting for you at the Coquitlam Public Library's Poirier Branch. Now, finally, picture that book as a human being.
That is the essence of the Living Library program, now back for its fourth year, set to run Saturday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents who come in can book a "human book" with expertise and experience in immigration, religion, the arts, athletics, health and politics, for a 20-to 30-minute one-on-on session to learn about the unique challenges and strategies they have encountered.
"Meant to battle prejudice, the Living Library program encourages people to probe beneath the surface and learn about living, breathing people, rather than dwelling on stereotypes pushed by the media or by one's personal bias," a press release for the even states.
On the list of participate this year:
. Imaad Ali - Muslim community leader
. Marianne Berkey - archaeologist and Douglas College alumnus
. Amy Candido - eating disorders peer support worker at the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
. Jasmin Glaesser - bronze medalist as part of Canada's women's cycling team in the 2012 Summer Olympics
. Akhil Jobanputra - 15year-old student of Indian classical music
. Meena Paranjpe - retired speech therapist and volunteer speech therapist at Dogwood Pavilion
. Grace Pedroso - immigrant and early childhood education graduate
. Colleen Penrowley and Rana Al-Sammarraie - members of the Soroptimists International of the TriCities
. Selina Robinson - councillor, City of Coquitlam and surrogate mother
. David Russell - Freelance mystery writer from Coquitlam
. Mayor Richard Stewart - mayor, City of Coquitlam, MLA for CoquitlamMaillardville (2001-2005)
. Krishna Teja - international student from Hyderabad, India
. Brittany Timko - bronze medalist in soccer, 2012 Summer Olympics
. Fay Wong-career consultant and wellness counsellor with a community social service worker diploma from Douglas College
There is no pre-registration required to participate.
