Salzburg Global Fellows reflect on how the Living Library fostered empathy, understanding, and connection during the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change
This article was written by Salzburg Global Fellows Gemma Warde and Tia Cosentino. They attended the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change session on “Belonging in the Age of Machines: Reimagining the Soul of Media" in July 2024.
The Living Library is a tool that seeks to challenge prejudice and discrimination. In this program, individuals are “recruited” as “living books” and are specially trained and supported to share their personal experiences in one-on-one or one-to-few conversations. Those who engage with the books, referred to as “readers”, may be seeking knowledge for themselves, to support a loved one, or as part of their professional role.
Readers select a book based on just a title and then engage in a conversation with that book. They are encouraged to ask questions, fostering an interactive dialogue that draws on real-life experiences to inform, challenge preconceived notions, and shift perspectives. Everyone in the library setting is considered equal, and books have the autonomy to decline answering any questions if they choose. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing people from diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and age groups, including those with jobs or caregiving responsibilities, to participate as books.
Thoughts on the Living Library: By Gemma Warde
Who knew a Monday could be so impactful. Who knew a Monday could change one’s outlook on life. Who knew a Monday could combat 20 years of internal battle.
We were pled to, on a Thursday, check out this optional opportunity. One where everyone had a voice, one that promised to change lives. The weekend went by, we laughed, we experienced, we tried to open up, yet something was missing. Then Monday rolled around.
Monday, the day we were told to be tired, and expected to be unenthusiastic. Monday, the day we all hope passes fast so we’re on our way to a weekend again. However, this particular Monday unknowingly held the opportunity to bring 80 strangers together, to truly go deeper than the surface. I’ve always considered myself quite closed off. I have my walls up, and I like them like that. I sat down in a dark corner with two strangers and planned to say nothing, to just listen. I would have never guessed that 3 minutes into our 10 minute conversation we would all be moved to tears strictly based on the fact that we had something in common.
The details didn’t matter and it didn’t matter to what extent - we were all there fostering a mutual experience. From that Monday forward, I noticed a change in myself. I no longer looked at someone and examined all that was different about us, but pondered on what shared experiences we had. Because no matter the person, no matter their location, no matter their demographics, being human is universal, and with being human comes messy times, tragic stories, and the communal need for dialogue and someone to just show up to get us through it.
So thank you Living Library, for putting me in that dimmed corner with two strangers, and for truly opening my eyes to the world’s similarities in a time where all we focus on is difference.
The Living Library Will Always Be Etched in My Memory for a Lifetime: By Tia Cosentino
I believed this experience would provide a great opportunity for people to understand how experiencing unique forms of negativity and hate can impact individuals across different aspects of life - such as distance, time, race, age, gender, education, careers, sports, and even birth. Embracing being uniquely hated doesn’t mean displaying the hate received; it means having the strength to withstand and transform that hate into the love you want to see in the world.
The Living Library wasn’t just a gathering; it was a safe space where we could openly share our feelings without fear of judgment. It allowed each of us to express our innermost thoughts, knowing that we would be accepted for our unique selves.
Our souls connected in indescribable ways, through tears, laughter, the occasional snort, and shared experiences, offering comfort and a feeling of unity that we all deeply craved… and some didn’t even realize they were looking for. In this place, we formed our own little famil y- one built on support, understanding, empathy, and most importantly, uncompromising love.
By sharing and listening to others’ stories, we discovered the beauty of being true to ourselves without apology. The Living Library will always hold a special place in my heart, as it brought us together in a fabric of empathy and understanding that words cannot fully capture.
This article was featured on Medium, which includes more coverage from the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change session on “Belonging in the Age of Machines: Reimagining the Soul of Media.”
The Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change is an annual program that convenes emerging leaders in media fields to build networks for positive change. If you would like to find out more about the Academy, please email , Faculty Chair and Program Director.
