Colours of the Community: A celebration of Refugee Week

Come down to the Pearl Cove Library for a special upcoming event!

Pearl Cove Library is proud to announce that a new event celebrating refugees and Refugee Week is coming soon. It will be in the form of a Human Library, where instead of borrowing books people will be able to borrow 'people' for a 1 on 1 conversation. Take this opportunity to find out more about the refugees in your community and the stories they experienced before and after coming to Pearl Cove. 

Event Details:

Date and Time: Saturday, June 20 at 11:00AM

Duration: 5 hours, finish at 4:00PM

Location: Pearl Cove Library, main seating area

Entry Fee: Free!

Bookings: Please visit  Eventbrite for more information. 

With the world entering an age of increasing nationalisation and conflict, accepting and welcoming refugees into our country and community has become more and more important. To get to this point many people had to undergo tribulations, hazardous journeys, and extreme amounts of uncertainty and fear. But even after they arrive into their new home, these feelings may not dissipate. They can require time and help to understand and become accustomed to a culture that may be very different to what they are used to. By coming along to this event you will have an opportunity to find out their stories and get a glimpse into their lives. 

Frequently asked questions:

Why a Human Library?

A human library is a platform which allows for more in-depth and complex topics to be discussed in their own words by the human 'book'. During this frank conversation, you can ask questions you may have but are hesitant to ask. We chose to use the human library because refugees have a very diverse background and it can be difficult to find information which is directly useful. The human books provide a perspective that you can use to clarify and understand concepts that may be outside your normal frame of reference. 

Do I have to bring anything?

You just have to bring yourselves and an open mind to this event. Food will not be provided, but there is a cafe on site and several other food eateries within walking distance. 

How long will this take?

Each conversation with a book will take approximately 30 minutes. Please be aware that due to booking and time restraints, each session must finish within the allocated slot. 

Are you able to accommodate for people with disabilities?

Of course! The library has a clearly marked entrance way with ramps, and the route to and from the event area is large enough for a wheelchair to navigate through and we have several handrails around the sides of the walls. There is also a disabled toilet close to the seating area and signs posted around the library. If you have any particular concerns, please let the library know. 

Further links for information:

Human Libraries: https://www.humanlibraryaus.org

Refugee Week: https://www.refugeeweek.org.au

Image Credits:

Teneva, M. (n.d.). Building with refugees welcome signage photo. Unsplash. Retrieved 23 November 2020 from https://unsplash.com/photos/uHDbnG-Avpc

Trampota, F. (2016). BP Gas station, refugee camp. Flickr. Retrieved 23 November 2020 from https://www.flickr.com/photos/67207664@N06/27459115505

by: Tatsuaki Goh