Tips for Books
Information for Books
- You will have 20 minutes with each reader (or readers). Just be yourself: Be honest and open, and talk and listen carefully.
- Please prepare yourself for your role as a Book; be accurate and knowledgeable about your topic. You may even want to prepare some factual information, such as statistics or research data, to field questions or comments your readers may have.
- Be ready to share your personal experiences, but if questions become too personal, feel free to decline to answer.
- As your reader(s) borrowed your Book specifically for your topic, please try to limit your story to that topic. Additional information about yourself should be offered only for illustration.
- Every reader borrowing you will be different, and the reason for choosing your Book can vary greatly. A good question to start the discussion is “Why did you choose my Book?” This will give you a first impression of the reader’s interest.
- The content of the discussion with your readers is, in principle, confidential. If you quote from other readers, do not mention their names.
- If by chance you encounter a difficult reader, try to remain calm and show understanding, while expressing your disagreement where necessary. Try to move the discussion on to a less controversial area. If you feel uneasy with a reader, you have every right to end the discussion.
- Enjoy being a Book!
Conversation Starters
- Why did you chose my Book?
- What do you do for fun?
- Can you tell me three things about yourself that make you unique?
- How do you deal with adversity?
- How has your perception changed after hearing my story?
- What made you decide to become a Human Library Reader?