Human books will be available for checkout at Coquitlam Public Library next weekend as part of the Living Library program.
The Living Library offers up experts on a variety of topics for one-to-one conversations that last between 20 and 30 minutes in a private, informal setting.
The program has been in operation for the last four years and encourages people to probe beneath the surface and learn about living, breathing people, rather than dwelling on stereotypes pushed by the media or one's personal bias.
Living books are generally experts in a given subject who are prepared to share their knowledge of fascinating topics.
Some have had interesting or challenging life experiences while other are people who may be misunderstood or underestimated based on occupational, racial, religious or lifestyle labels.
Past participants include Eileen Mohan, whose son Christopher was one of the innocent victims of the Surrey Six murders. Nasima Nastoh, who son committed suicide by jumping off the Pattulo Bridge because he was bullied in school, was also a living book.
The Living Library will take place on Sept. 29 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Poirier Library.
Living books include:
Imaad Ali - Muslim community leader;
Marianne Berkey -archaeologist and Douglas College alumna;
Amy Candido - eating disorders and peer support worker at Kelty Menal Health Resources Centre;
Jasmin Glaesser - bronze medalist as part of Canada's women's cycling team in the 2012 Summer Olympics;
Akhil Jobanputra - 15-year-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 with the city of Coquitlam (2008-present) and surrogate mother;
David Russell - freelance mystery writer from Coquitlam;
Richard Stewart - mayor of the city of Coquitlam (2005-present) and MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville (2001-2005);
Krishna Teja - international student from Hyderabad, India;
Brittany Timko - bronze medalist in soccer at the 2012 Summer Olympics;
Fay Wong - career consultant and wellness counsellor with a community social service worker diploma from Douglas College.
