The People Lending Library

When was the last time you stepped foot in a library? Come on, be honest, it isn’t a trick question, we know you recognise the important work, cultural and otherwise, libraries do in the local community.

So, about seven years ago, yeah? Thought as much. Well, you might want to pop in soonish if a new initiative in a Canadian library to lend out people proves to be a success.

That’s right, real, living and breathing people. The newly opened Surrey City Centre Library in British Colombia has developed a human library programme, which, in essence means you can speak to someone for 30 to 45 minutes if you’re particularly interested in their life/background/religion/insert other colourful personality trait here.

Although it sounds slightly seedy – hiring people for 30 minutes could easily suggest less urbane activities than learning – all conversations will take place on library grounds. Which of course rather begs the question, what about all those officious shhh-happy librarians?

Ah, we’re sure they’ve thought of something.

(Image: Surrey City Centre Library)