People's Library: Breaking taboos and looking into each other's souls

De Lage Beemden Library, together with the LEVgroep, is holding the People's Library at the Meeting Centre in Beek en Donk. Those interested can register to meet a person who has experienced something life-changing in their life. In a 20-minute open conversation, you can explore the depths together and ask each other questions about things that are not often talked about in everyday life. 

There is a great deal of truth in the saying; ‘Every house has its cross’. From the cradle to the grave, you come across small and big obstacles in life that change the course of your life. Major obstacles in life are often taboo. The People's Library consists of seven people who have a story that defined the course of their lives. Topics covered include ADHD and giftedness, sexual abuse, ostomy, debt, transgender and drug addiction. In the People's Library, they are open to an honest conversation, in which they also want to look into the other person's soul.Every person has their story
They gave themselves up, the living books at the centre of the People's Library. Meanwhile, they are able to share it with the world, no matter how tough a subject. Like the story of Han Leenders, who joins the two organisers Annerite Coertjens (Bibliotheek de Lage Beemden) and Mindy van der Putten (LEVgroep) in the interview. Sexually abused as a small boy, now that he is an adult, he has a purpose. ‘The threshold to seek help is high,’ says Han, ’Men who have been abused are often silent and it has become my mission to assist these men.’ The secret he carried with him for years certainly affected those around him. Thanks in part to his wife, Han was put on the right track and got help. Now schooled, Han no longer wants to remain silent about his past and use it to help others. His story is one of the special stories to be heard on 13 November.

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Annerite and Mindy are excited about People's Library. ‘Exciting to see if People's Library succeeds,’ says Annerite. ‘A safe atmosphere is important, which is why we work with some rules. You can ask anything, but the other person can also ask things back. No is no, so refusing and stating your limits is always allowed. We assume mutual respect.’ For Mindy, who will soon graduate from Fontys Social Work Eindhoven, the cooperation with the library is a logical step. ‘The library and the LEVgroep function side by side in the living room of the Meeting Centre,’ Mindy explains. ‘At the LEV, we see many people with a story and the concept of living books fits in nicely with the library. Originally, by the way, ‘living library’ comes from Denmark. The seven people who participate with us are very enthusiastic. Sharing takes away prejudices.’

Want to hear one of the stories of Cris, Carmen, Blaise, Tars, Peeter, Wroud or Han? Register via the website for the People's Library. There you can read more about the living books and the ‘rules of the game’.