Northern Beaches Council is calling for community volunteers with a refugee background to become ‘Human Books’ for a day.

To celebrate Refugee Week (16 to 22 June), Council is hosting a ‘Human Library’ on Saturday 22 June. People will go ‘on loan’ to the public for 20 minutes at a time as Human Books, sharing their experiences of settling in Australia.

Mayor Michael Regan said Council’s inaugural Human Books initiative last year was a huge success, with another event planned for later in the year, following the upcoming event focussing on refugee experiences.

“If you are from a refugee or humanitarian settlement background, reside on the Northern Beaches, and are interested in connecting with local people to tell them your settlement story, contact Council’s Community Development team on 9976 1562 to discuss how you can get involved. 

“We’re calling on willing volunteer ‘Human Books’ to share their stories as refugees, including their experiences with prejudice and stereotypes, whether due to their ethnic, religious or cultural background.

“The ‘Human Library’ will be a great place to connect people in our community and to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue.”

The ‘Stories of the Northern Beaches - Human Library’ event will be held on Saturday 22 June, between 2pm and 5pm at Warringah Mall Library.

For more information, please go to Council’s website.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678