Salford City College Hosts “Human Library” Experiment

Residents across Salford were invited to “borrow a person” as Salford City College brought back the Living Library for a second year. This event, hosted at Pendleton Gateway, brought people together from across the Salford community to spark conversations and challenge perceptions.  

Visitors sat down with what were called “human books” and given the opportunity to hear about their lived experience. Tai Roberts, who helped make the event a reality, said that the event was all about telling stories. “This is about replacing assumptions with real understanding. When you hear someone’s story directly, it changes everything.”  

The event builds on the success of last year, which was attended by more than 100 visitors. Breaking down barriers between communities is more important now than ever, and the attendees this year included Michelle who spoke about overcoming struggles with mental health and supporting neurodiverse young people.  

The organisers wanted people to feel seen, heard, and understood, encouraging conversations which otherwise might not happen.  

The local MP, Rebecca Long-Bailey, also attended the event to show her support:  

“It was a real privilege to meet the wonderful people living in Salford who took part in this year's 'Human Library' and to hear their empowering stories about the joys and challenges some of them have faced throughout their lives. I completely agree that everyone's story is important and when we get the chance to hear even a little bit of those stories, it gives us new perspectives on our own lives but also goes to show how much we truly share in common just as human beings. Living libraries are a really powerful way to bring people together for that exact purpose.”