THE LIVING LIBRARY 2024

The Fifth Annual “Living Library” will be held this year on Saturday morning, November 9 from 10:00 AM till noon. This program allows people to connect with each other and learn from each other. “I have invited nine people from our community who have interesting stories to share,” says Sherrel Rieger, program specialist. “These people come from all walks of life and have different life experiences that they will share one-on-one with “readers” who want to know more about that topic.”

This year, the following people will be available to talk with people about their experiences:  historian Seth Angel, photographer Terry Barnhill, nonagenarian Shirley Edie Bitticker, forester Randy Clum, writer Lee Elliott, collector of funeral memorabilia John Herzig, business owner David Jones, Basketeer Don Maurer, and real estate entrepreneur Kathy Pietro.

People who want to check out one of our “books” are invited to spend the morning of November 9 at the library.  You can see which books are available, “check out” a book, and have a conversation with that person for approximately 15 minutes.

How does the “Living Library” work?  The “books” (who are real people) will be seated around the library.  You come to the library between 10:00 AM and noon and see which “books” are available.  After you “check out” one of “books,” you sit with that person and engage in an honest conversation with him/her for approximately 15 minutes. Then, you can check out another book. You can check out as many books as time and availability allow.

More information is available on the library event calendar. You can register ahead of time by calling the library at 330-343-6123.  Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event, which is Saturday, November 9 from 10 AM till noon in the Community Room at the library located at 525 N. Walnut Street.