Breaking the silence. Let’s talk about suicide.

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Breaking the silence – World Suicide Prevention Day, Let’s talk about suicide. 

      "Human Library at University of Essex" by University of Essex is marked with CC BY 2.0.

On the 10th of September. We are breaking the silence for World Suicide Prevention Day. We are talking about suicide. 

     Where: The event will be held at the Pearl Cove Library in the Pearl Room.

When: On Friday the 10^th of September, 2021. The event will run from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

Talking about suicide has always been a taboo. But it happens more than you think, closer than you think, and more than any of us want. It happens but no one talks about it. Why do they do it? What happens to the family and friends left behind? And how can we prevent it from happing again? 

So we are going to do it! We will challenge the social stigma around talking about suicide, and the assumptions we hold about people who attempt suicide. We will open the conversation to recognize the importance we all place in suicide prevention; and answer some of our burning questions while doing it. 

We are holding a Human Living Library event! 

What's is a human library? Human Libraries reduce social stigmas, challenge stereotypes, and promote an acceptance of others; by allowing readers to book, listen, and interact with the stories of real people. 

The books in the living library are people! The stories from the living libraries are real, the people right in front of your eyes. You can ask people questions you have always wanted answered but never felt comfortable to ask. Human Library events focus on breaking down these stereotypes and assumptions about others and encourage acceptance. 

This event will be focused on suicide. Our books are the families effected by suicide, people who attempted suicide, and experienced suicidal behaviors. We will all work together to break down these social barriers and recognize the signs that could lead to suicide.

Want to learn more about Human Libraries? Check out the Human Libraries Australia webpage. 

We will be holding private reading sessions from 1:30 to 5pm with our 10 humans books. You will be talking with the book of your choice one on one for 30 minutes. Check out our books and book a session below!

Our Human Books!

     h                                            

                                   "I almost died"                                     "I attempted suicide"                                                                     - Alice Alison                                          - Steve Rogers      

                 

                         "I am the family left behind"                               "I self harmed"   

                                  - Darth Vader                                              - James Bond 

                                                       

                    "The aboriginal that experienced                          "I lost my best friend"                                                            it all" - Sherlock Homes                             - Sam Samson

                                                          

                                "How I told my fiancé I                             "My family shamed me"                                                          wanted to die"  - Anthony Stark                      - James Barns          

                     

                                    

                               "I lost a loved one, I wanted                   "How my Asian family reacted"  

                               to join them"- Peter Parker                             - Clint Barton

                                            

Interested in a book? Click here and book one now

We hope to see you there!

Pearl Cove Libraries - Event Manager - Lauren Watson.

    

The Missing Link: Human Living Library

Pearl Cove Library, in conjunction with the The National Council of Single Mothers, will be hosting a Human Living Library event for the International Day of Families on the 15th of May.

Event Details:

Event: The Missing Link

Day: Friday 15th May 2020 - International Day of Families

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Venue: Pearl Cove Library - Pearl Room

With over 15% of Australia’s population being separated, divorced or widowed, the prevalence of fragmented families is a relevant and contemporary subject for our country and community. This event aims to not only support those members who can directly relate to this issue, but to also raise awareness on the topic. We hope to help our community at large understand a perspective on life they are disconnected from by creating a safe, open forum to discuss.

Acknowledging and exploring the idea and issues of a ‘disconnected’ family will be a significant start in connecting Pearl Cove and achieving ‘An Inclusive and Connected Region’.

More information about our selection of Human Books can be found at: https://pearlcovelibrary.com.au/missing-link/

Bookings:

Advanced booking will be required to loan our human books and attend the event.

Limited spots are available. Book online at Pearl Cove Events or email events@pearlcovecouncil.com.au

Attendance fee: $2.00 AUD

More information about Human Libraries:

https://www.humanlibraryaus.org/

Any enquiries about the event please contact Samuel Wu on 0404 123 456

Hop on the STEM train! Women in STEM

A Human Living Library Event

Interested in Science?

Enjoy Mathematics?

Unsure what electives to choose?

See yourself in a lab coat?

Join us for an evening with women accomplished in

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics.

Borrow a ‘book’ and discuss their interesting careers in the STEM field. 

Get insights into the excitement and rewards of pursing a STEM career. 

* When:  Wednesday 11^th February 2020

* Time:   6pm - 8pm

* Where: Pearl Cove Library (Pearl Room) 55 Book St Pearl Cove

* Cost:   $5 per person

* Bookings: Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com.au/

Light refreshments created by Pearl Cove High School Food Tech students will be provided.

Our guest speakers (books) are:

Karlie Noon
Karlie is a Gamilaraay woman and is the first
Aboriginal person on the East Coast of Australia to graduate
with a combined Bachelor of Mathematics and Science.

Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Yassmin was born in Sudan and migrated to Australia 
at the age of two. She holds a Bachelor of
Mechanical Engineering with First Class Honours.

Dharmica Mistry
Dharmica was born in England to Indian parents 
and moved to Australia when she was six. 
She holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours
and has completed a PhD in Medicine. 

Emma Johnston
Emma is the Dean of Science at UNSW and 
President of Science & Technology Australia. 
She is an authority in marine biology and 
a former Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) at UNSW. 

More information about the UNSW Women in STEM program can be found here: https://www.science.unsw.edu.au/engagement/women-stem-ambassador-program

For further information please contact Loubna Khalil on 9553-1525

Supercharge your future with STEM!

February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Join us at Pearl Cove Library for a special Human Living Libraries event.

Human Living Libraries give you the chance to speak to people you wouldn't otherwise meet about topics that don't often come up. 

Women have made great strides in the fields of science, technology and engineering in recent years and perceptions of women’s contributions to science changing. But there is still a long way ahead. 

According to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, in 2016, only 14% of STEM professors were women and only 12% of engineers were women.

Our “books” will help you understand the challenges women and girls face in trying to enter and advance careers in the fields of science and engineering. 

Come pick a book and have a chance to ask all the questions you have about women in STEM.

Our books:

• Annie Slattery, the co-founder and CEO of ConX, a company that makes software to bring tradies online
• Taylah Griffin, an indigenous Gangulu STEM student and Boeing Defence Australia STEM ambassador
• Professor Renae Ryan, the academic director of Science in Australia Gender Equity
• Karlie Noon, an indigenous Gomeroi astrophysicist

Details

Tuesday, 11 February

5:30 for 6 PM

The Pearl Room at Pearl Cove Library

RSVP on Eventbrite by 4 February.

For further enquiries, call the library's front desk at 029 555 555.

(Faranaaz Parker)

See What's On The Menu at the Library!

Image credit: Louis Hansel, Unsplash

See what's on the menu this Harmony Day at Pearl Cove Library!

Join us from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday 21st of March, 2020 and find out what's on the plates of Australians new and old.

Pearl Cove Library will be hosting our very own Human Living Library event where you can ask questions you've always wondered about food but never wanted to ask. Where does bush tucker come from? Do Indigenous Australians still eat it? What do refugees eat when they arrive in Australia? What did they eat before? How is it any different to your home cooking? Our living books can answer these questions and more at the Pearl Cove Library Courtyard.

Tea and coffee will be available for attendees.

Speakers:

David Smith - an Aboriginal Australian of the Eora nation.

Yousef Khalil Hamed - a Syrian refugee. Former head chef of a Michelin Star restaurant. Settled in Australia in 2017.

Hala Al-Ghol - an Israeli asylum seeker. Single mother of one child in Pearl Cove. Entered Australia in 2019.

Yasmeen Abdul-Aziz - a Middle Eastern refugee. Separated from family, entered Australia 1982.

Bookings are essential for guaranteed sessions.

Event Details:

Date: 21 March 2020

Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (Lunch break at 1:00-1:30)

Location: Pearl Cove Library Courtyard

Cost: Free

Bookings: email or call Pearl Cove Library, or talk to any of the friendly library staff.

Contact:

Pearl Cove Library

123 Smith Rd

Pearl Cove 2446

(02) 6586 1743

events@pearlcovelibrary.com

Further Information:

Human Living Libraries: https://www.humanlibrary.org

Harmony Day: https://www.harmony.gov.au/

Refugee Quick Guide: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/quick-guide/

by Victoria Zhao

Stronger Together - Fight Domestic Violence, One Book at a Time

Image: Howard County Library System

STRONGER TOGETHER

Human Living Libraries is back this month by popular demand! 

This month Pearl Cove Library has chosen the theme ‘Stronger Together,’ in support for the prevention of Domestic Violence. This theme was chosen so that we as a community can be at the forefront of fighting domestic violence together. No one in the community should feel alone in their struggles.

Human Living Libraries is a global initiative which gathers people from all walks of life to be ‘books’ for community members to ‘check out’. The concept comes from the idea that we each have a valuable experience which others can learn from.  

We know that Domestic Violence is a difficult and confronting topic. Pearl Cove Library believes it is the role of the community to come together to speak the truth about difficult topics and to provide tangible assistance through difficult experiences. This event allows us to assist the community by bringing the issue of domestic violence into light and by providing access to the right support for those affected in the community. We have teamed up with White Ribbon (Link to White Ribbon) to create a space for open dialogue about domestic violence. Our volunteer ‘books’ have each encountered domestic violence through their own experience or by working with others.

Our ‘books’ this year include:

An Indigenous Spokesperson from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Committee. 

A Pearl Cove High School Counsellor.

A Domestic Violence Survivor. 

A Local Domestic Violence worker from the Department of Families and Community Services.

Someone who has experienced living in a refuge.  

EVENT DETAILS:
STRONGER TOGETHER

When: Friday 22 May 

Time: 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm

Where: Pearl Cove Library 

Booking: Book at Eventbrite. 

The event is free, but booking is essential as there are limited spaces. 

Contact: samantha.samrani@pearlcovelibrary.com

More Information

Human Libraries:

https://www.humanlibraryaus.org/

White Ribbon:

https://www.humanlibraryaus.org/

Domestic Violence:
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence

If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone you know, you can call:
Emergency services: 000
Life Line: 13 11 14

Intercultural Unions; Love Has No Borders

A HUMAN LIVING LIBRARIES EVENT

Intercultural Unions

Discussion of cultural diversity is all around us but have we given much thought to the relationships that negotiate differences every day? Or the homes reaping the riches of shared cultural delights? 

An increasingly globalised and multicultural society has meant that it is inevitable that people enter relationships with, marry and raise children with people from different cultural backgrounds to their own.

In fact this is a rapidly increasing trend in Australia: in 2016, about 30 per cent of registered marriages in Australia were of partners born in different countries, compared with 18 per cent in 2006.

What is a Human Living Library Event all about?

Pearl Cove library will be hosting a 'Human Living Libraries' event to celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Guests will be able to ‘borrow’ living human 'books' who have experienced the richness and minefield of intercultural relationships. Guests can enjoy an intimate conversation in our courtyard, and hopefully gain a new level of understanding. Human Living Libraries events, aim to break down prejudice and bring communities closer together.

Thursday 21 May 2020, 1.00pm - 4.15pm

Pearl Cove Library Courtyard, 24 George St, Pearl Cove, 2575, NSW

Free Event

Booking Required BOOK HERE

Tea, Coffee, nibbles provided

Any questions or inquiries, please contact Lisa Smith by email at: lisasmith@pearlcovelibrary.gov.au or call 0432 445 768

More Info

WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY FOR 

DIALOGUE AND DEVELOPMENT

Image credit: UNESCO

Human Living Libraries 

Image Credit: Human Living Libraries

Author: Siobhan Parr 

Let the book talk

                            Let the book talk

                      Human Living Library event

                           at Pearl Cove Library

   Human Living Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers. 'Readers' can borrow a 'book' for a set period of time (up to 30 mins).

   Our living books have had addiction history and are willing to tell you their story and answer your questions.

living books at Event:

Martin Tran--Heroin addiction Plumber

Kirra Barton--Alcohol addiction Dancer

Antonina Gerardis--Methadone program Baker

Carol Davies--Codeine addiction teacher

Stephen Vo--Nicotine addiction shop owner

Philip Bernard--Sleeping tablet addiction writer

Where: Cove Meeting Room--Pearl Cove Library

When: 13 November 2020

Time: 10.00am-1.00pm

Morning tea mini pastries will be provided.  Pastries, Muffins, Banana Bread, Raspberry Bread, Scones, Portuguese Tarts, Coffee, Tea. Please let us know if you have a food allergy.

This is a free event so please act quickly to register your place. please contact our team on 

(02) 9678 2002 or email eventsplanner4@pearlcovelibrary.gov.au to secure your booking.

(2020). Image of Alcoholisms. Retrieved 15 June 2020 from https://www.shutterstock.com/es/license

(2020). Images of alcoholisms. retrieved 15 June 2020 from https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/lightspring?searchterm=alcoholisms

(2020). TAFE NSW learning material.human library. Retrieved 15 June 2020 from file:///Users/philip/Downloads/BSBLIB503_Wk3_%20Human%20library%20(2).pdf 

Feedspot (2020). Best 50 Culture Blogs & Websites to follow in 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020 from https://blog.feedspot.com/culture_blogs/

Grace Muller

Flashbacks+Flashforwards: Snapshots of Life in the Defence Force

                                           Image source: Anthony McAvoy

Join us for a morning of conversation and remembrance at Pearl Cove Library's first Human Library
When: 10am-1pm, Friday 8 November 
Where: Pearl Room, Pearl Cove Library
Make your booking at: www.eventbrite.com.au/flashbacks+flashforwards

What is a Human Library?
Originating in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000, the Human Library program is a cultural event where readers can borrow a human "book" and have a conversation about their unique life story. The Human Library is a safe and open place to listen to stories that aren't usually heard and ask questions that aren't usually asked, connecting community members with unique perspectives and experiences and combating prejudice towards marginalised, and misunderstood, groups.

The 11^th of November is Remembrance Day in Australia. During this time of remembrance, this event provides a chance for the community to openly discuss the past, present and future of soldiers in the Australian Defence Force. The event will explore topics such as:

- the daily life of a soldier in an active combat zone

- discrimination in the past and present as a minority in the armed forces

- coping with PTSD in civilian life

- the large community of homeless veterans

- the motives of the next generation joining the army

Meet our Human Books:

• Paul - a homeless veteran of the Iraq War who suffers from PTSD
• Sam - an Indigenous Elder and Vietnam War veteran
• Kelly - a junior officer currently studying at the Defence Force Academy
• Taylor - an openly gay veteran who served in the mid-90s after the ban on gay and lesbian personnel was lifted in 1992

For more information about Human Libraries visit https://www.humanlibraryaus.org/

For more information regarding how you can support our veterans visit https://www.woundedheroes.org.au/

For more information about this event contact
Kate Ficarra - Events Officer at Pearl Cove Library
Phone: 90583356
Email: katef@pearlcovelibrary.gov.au

                                                    Kate Ficarra

Demystifying Autism - Living Library Event

Dennis Brendel, 2019, retrieved from https://unsplash.com/

Being Different Together: Demystifying Autism Spectrum Disorder

A Human Living Library event for World Autism Awareness Day

Have you ever wondered about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Do you know someone who has ASD and are curious to learn more?

Pearl Cove Library invites any who are wanting to learn more about ASD, or are simply curious, to engage with people's real-life experiences of ASD next April for World Autism Awareness Day.

When: Thursday April 2nd, 2pm - 5pm

Where: Pearl Room, located at Pearl Cove Library

How: Bookings can be made through Eventbrite

Who: Ages 16 and up

What is a Human Living Library?

A Living Library is a new, inclusive event where member of the public can interact and chat with "Human Book" - a collection of people willing to share their experiences on a topic. It promotes diverse thinking and helps people to overcome unconscious biases and break down prejudices. (For more info go to Human Library Australia)

More About the Event
Pearl Cove Library is inviting four individuals to talk about their experiences with ASD in a series of short one-on-one conversations. Books can be "borrowed" for up to 25 mins, during which time attendees are invited to listen to their stories and ask questions about the topic. Tea/coffee and a small selection of biscuits will be provided throughout the day.
Attendees are reminded to be respectful towards the Books, and to not raise their voice or act aggressively towards them. The Books are free to refuse to answer questions or terminate the conversation early if they feel uncomfortable.

Meet the Books
Peter Thorne - A representative of Aspect Australia
Kaitlan Monroe - A mother of a young child with ASD
Matt Reid - An indigenous Australian with ASD
Addison Rudd - A woman only recently diagnosed with ASD

Tickets will be $10 per person and are available from Eventbrite. Limited slots available

Please contact the library for more information about this event
0404 033 212
libraryenquires@pearlcove.gov.au

Find out more about ASD at Aspect Australia
Find out more about Living Libraries

By Stephanie Oppen-Riley