The “Living Library” is an innovative method to encourage dialogue, reduce prejudice and foster mutual understanding between different people. It is acknowledged by the Council of Europe as a best practice for intercultural dialogue as a mean to promote human rights.

The “Living Library” allows to tackle stereotype and to break down the most common prejudice in a positive and constructive way.

During the event, just like in a library, CSR and HR Managers have identified the “human books” “to read” on the basis of the title and the back covers listed on a poster. Afterwards they met the “human books” selected in a one to one meeting and listened to their stories about the difficulties and the prejudices experienced in the job market.

The “Living Library” in number:

10 companies involved, 7 human books, 30 “readings”, 27 reviews, 2 debriefings (one with companies and one with human books).

The workshop was coordinated by Ulderico Maggi, pedagogist and professor of Catholic University of Milan.

*Inclusive Mindset project aims to offer job opportunities to people who can hardly access to the job market, like disabled people, migrants…