The Surrey City Centre Library is taking an unorthodox route to entice individuals looking to learn. Instead of solely relying on lending out physical and electronic books or even predictably embracing social media outlets as a way to bring in new customers, this library will be lending out people. Your first thought might be along the lines of an escort service, but this is far from the case.
The Surrey City Centre Library, which is based in British Columbia, will be offering a unique service in which the public can borrow volunteers with particularly interesting skills or histories. Once requested, the lender will meet their "living book" in the library's cafe.
Although the Surrey City Centre Library believes this is an effort to break down stereotypes and promote discussion, it also appears like a worthy gimmick to keep libraries alive.
People-Lending Libraries
The Surrey City Centre Library to Offer 'Living Books' to the Public
Trend Themes
1. Human Library - Creating a platform where people can borrow volunteers with unique skills or histories to promote learning and break down stereotypes.
2. Experience-based Learning - Shifting from traditional learning methods and embracing interactive experiences that engage and educate.
3. Personalized Knowledge Sharing - Facilitating one-on-one interactions between individuals with specific knowledge or expertise to foster learning and growth.
Industry Implications
1. Libraries - Innovating library services by offering unique experiences and expanding the ways people can learn and interact.
2. Education - Exploring alternative methods of education that focus on personalized, experiential learning.
3. Social Services - Leveraging the power of community and human connections to provide valuable services and promote inclusive environments.