A Human Library for Essex

The environment

Our project was not an environmental project

The local economy

Our project took place at Firstsite in Colchester, an art gallery, cultural organisation and community hub. We hired the space, which contributed to the financial health of the gallery, people bought food and refreshments from the gallery cafe which helped a local business (a Community Interest Company) and we attracted attendees from outside the town, boosting the local tourist economy.

Volunteering, jobs & education

By its very nature, the Human Library offered an opportunity for people to engage with the project on many different levels. There were volunteer opportunities for not only 'Human Books' but also all those staffing the event as 'Librarians'. We recruited 32 volunteers who received support and training for their roles. We also created a new part time post as a Human Library Manager.

Arts, culture & heritage

Community is at the heart of Essex Book Festival. By hosting a Human Library in Firstsite, one of Essex's key flagship cultural venues, the event provided a platform for new conversations, and enabled us to develop new networks and friendships across the county. One of the perceived barriers to the diversification of the cultural sector is the difficulty for arts and heritage organisations to engage with members of marginal and often hidden communities. The Human Library helped us break down these barriers, providing a safe space for vulnerable people to speak for themselves. The project is also not a one-off, as we hope to repeat the event every year as part of the festival, in different parts of the county. We worked in close partnership with other arts and community organisations to deliver the event, strengthening arts and diversity infrastructure. Through the project we made contact with several professional and community organisations, such as the Colchester multi--ethnic society, the Bangladeshi Society and Outhouse East. We were also honoured by a special visit on the day by Ronni Abergel, founder of the Human Library, and Katy Jon Went, Human Library UK Coordinator, who were impressed by our event, and are keen to support other events in the future.

Activity, health and leisure

As part of Essex Book Festival, the Human Library attracted new audiences to Colchester and Firstsite, and enhanced the experience of existing Essex Book Festival and Firstsite visitors. It was a valuable addition to our already popular PLACE event, offering new insights into the themes of identity, home and heritage that we explored as part of the weekend. The Human Library offered visitors a challenging yet enjoyable interactive experience, that was unique, thought-provoking and rewarding.