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The Living Library: Tips for Books

Logistics

  • Thank you for volunteering to be a book in our Living library.  Without books, this library could not exist.
  • Each book will have a volunteer in the room acting as the moderator and timekeeper as well as for your support.
  • Please arrive at the library at least 5 minutes before your session.
  • You have about 25 minutes to tell your story, leaving some time for questions from your readers.

Book tips

  • Be yourself. You have 25 minutes with your reader(s) so be open and honest as you tell your story
  • Keep the conversation on the topic you chose.  Reader(s) were intrigued with that story.
  • Prepare to be a book, thinking about what you can cover in 20 minutes.
  • If the conversation or questions go in a direction you are uncomfortable with, you can decline to answer or decide to end the conversation.
  • Most importantly, enjoy the experience.

Conversation Starters

  • Why did you choose my book?
  • What surprised you most about my story?
  • How has my story changed you?

Tips Provided with Help from F&M University and Gettysburg College