Living Library UM50
At the Living Library UM50, UM and local residents are coming together for personal conversations and storytelling. Here, the ‘books’ are real people in our community whose identity or experiences may be misunderstood, stereotyped or simply unfamiliar to others. They might be, for example, a professor with a disability, a former miner, a transgender researcher or someone who receives social assistance.
You choose a book from the catalogue and sit down together for a 20-minute conversation. Books share their experiences on their own terms, while you, as the reader, can respectfully ask questions you might hesitate to ask in everyday life.
These openhearted conversations can challenge assumptions, create unexpected connections and build greater understanding.
“It’s only when you’re face to face with someone telling their story that it really hits home"
- Netty Bekkers, initiator of the Living Library UM50
Event details
The Living Library UM50 is celebrating Diversity Day and UM’s 50th anniversary, with two events: one that welcomes local residents into UM and another that brings UM to the local community.
1 October | 13:30–17:00
University Library Randwyck
10 October | 13:30–17:00
De Rink, Maastricht
Each event will begin with opening remarks, and visitors can walk in and check out a book throughout the afternoon.
There will be books who speak Dutch, English and Limburgish dialect.
You’re warmly invited to join us for one or both events. All students, staff, alumni and local community members are welcome.
Register for the Living Library
Become a Living Book or volunteer
Would you like to share your story as a Living Book? Or would you like to support the event behind the scenes as a volunteer and help welcome visitors, support the books and make the day run smoothly?
More about being a Living Book or volunteer
