Just Ask The Books, They Have The Answer - Celebrating NAIDOC WEEK

 

Just Ask The Books, 

They Have The Answers.

  

 

 

Azure Beach Library is hosting a Human Library event.

 

The theme for this event is Literacy and the aim is to raise awareness about the importance of literacy amongst Indigenous Australians.

 

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During the event, you can borrow a human book, have a chat, ask questions about their professional life, and hopefully be inspired to become a writer!

 

Meet Our Human Books

 

Aunty Barbara Nicholson is an Elder of the Wadi Wadi people of the Illawarra region. She is project leader of the Black Wallaby Writers and Chief Editor of Dreaming Inside: Voices from Junee Correctional Centre. She is a poet, activist, recipient of numerous awards in Aboriginal Education, a published academic, university lecturer and has taught course work to inmate students at Goulburn Gaol and JCC. She holds a degree in English Literature (Newcastle) and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (UOW).

 

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Ellen van Neerven is an Aboriginal Australian writer, educator, and editor. They are queer and non-binary. Their first work of fiction, Heat and Light, won several awards, and in 2019 Van Neerven won the Queensland Premier's Young Publishers and Writers Award.

 

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When: Saturday 8^th July 2023

Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm

Where: Azure Beach Library,

44 Lighting Way, Azure Beach NSW 2100

 

For more information and to register for this event contact us on:

P: (02) 9717 ####

E:hello@azurebeachpubliclibrary.gov.au

 

*Please note this is a free event but registration is compulsory.

 

For more information on Human Library's visit 'The Human Library Organization's website https://humanlibrary.org/  

s.see

Respect is for all: A talk about Homelessness and indigenous issues.

 Day and time: 6/8/23 - 1pm-4pm 

Location: Azure Beach Library: Library Cafe 

Please note that this event is aimed at audiences 18+ 

Booking information: click this link to book now: http://www.azurebeachlibrary/events/4332.com.au

Here at Azure Beach we value the diversity of lived experiences from the members of our community, and their valuable insights. We would like to shine a light on the issue of homelessness in Australia, particularly in regard to our Indigenous Community. We have partnered with the Human Library to connect you with 10 Indigenous Australians "Human Books" who would like to share their experiences with homelessness. 

The Human Library is an international organization aiming to break down myths between different lived experiences, challenging stereotypes by providing open spaces to have in- depth discussions on topics that might otherwise be challenging to discuss openly. 

What question and preconceived notions do you have about the homeless? What is the reality of being homeless? What causes homelessness? How can we help those who are homeless? How much do personal circumstances or luck really play a role? We want to break down the myths on what really causes homelessness and the true experiences that those who have slept rough have faced. 

Come to our event to chat with our Human Books and experience their stories. 

For further reading on the issue of homelessness in Australia see What is homelessness? | Mission Australia and The History of Stereotyping Homelessness in Australia (swhelper.org)

by Natalie Methven

#homelessness #events #indigenous #firstaustralians #humanlibrary #augustevents

Connections to Culture

Connections to Culture 

If you have ever wanted to learn more about traditional body modication and its connections to Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander culture now is the perfect oppertunity. Azure beach public library is holding a human library event for NAIDOC week where people will be able to "borrow" our human library "books" for 45 minute chats on what traditional body modification is and what it means to them.

Where?

Azure Beach public library in the courtyard

When?

2nd of July 2023

What time?

12pm-3pm

Is there food?

Tea, Coffee and finger foods will be provided on the day.

To book with us to attend the event call us at XXXX-XXX-XXX  , check out our bookings page at the librarys website azurebeachlibrary.com/bookings or email us azurebeachlibrary@gmail.com

If you want to learn more about human library events check out this link to  https://humanlibrary.org/about/ on what a human library is and how they were started.

We hope to see you there!

-Shayne Oliver

An Hour or Two in Their Shoes

source: invisiblepeople.tv

Homelessness is a very real issue. People who are homeless have a lack of security, stability, privacy, safety and feeling of 'home'. People become homeless for a variety of reasons and they all have a different story.

On Saturday August the 14th Azure Beach is hosting a Human Library. A human library is an event where real people are on loan to readers. You can read more about the origin of the Human Library and its story here https://humanlibrary.org. Each Human Book is different and you get to talk with them about their experiences for half an hour. In total there will be 4 Human Books.

Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024

Time: 2:00pm to 4:15pm

Venue: Azure Beach Public Library, Azure Room

Tickets: Event is free of charge, to register visit www.libraryevents@azure/social.com.au

Enquiries: (02) 0814 4511

Luke Gurney 

EMPATHY STARTS WITH UNDERSTANDING

EMPATHY STARTS WITH UNDERSTANDING

The Human Library is coming

to Azure Beach!

We are excited to announce that the Human Library event is coming to Azure Beach Library on Saturday the 11th of February from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 

One of the most valuable members of our community are Senior people. They are our grandparents who hold valuable stories and experiences that they have learned through many years of their lifetime.

February this year, during the period of Seniors Festival, Azure beach library is honored to hold a Human library event on Saturday the 11th of February from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to hear the real-life story of seniors from different communities of Azure Beach. 

OUR WONDERFUL HUMAN BOOKS

Our human books are individuals who have experienced discrimination or prejudice based on their race, gender, religion, sexuality, or other aspects of their identity also we have a human book who has worked closely for many years with people who suffered from mental health caused by discrimination.

&

by sharing their stories and experiences, they hope to challenge stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding.

1. David Berk from senior indigenous aboriginal community.

2. Hamza Kareem senior and refugee from Syria who had to fled from warzone.

3. Mary Jones, senior retired Nurse who had worked for almost 40 years at Azure Beach Mental Health Hospital

4. Mark Willie senior and a former Homeless 

(Pictures are in order)

The event will take place in the designated space in General public access area of the library, where participants can book a "human book" for a 20-minute conversation.

To book a human book, please visit our library website Azure Beach Public Library Webiste or call 029717####. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

In addition to the human books, we will also have a display of books and resources related to diversity and inclusion. We encourage everyone to check out these materials and continue learning about different cultures and perspectives.

😁We hope you'll join us for this unique and thought-provoking event! 😁

Sincerely,

Azure Beach Library

#Human Library, #Diversity, #Inclusion, #Empathy, #Stereotypes, #Seniors, #mental health, #refugees, #indigenouscommunity

links

www.azurebeachseniorsclub.com.au

www.humanbooks.org.au

www.indigenouscommunity.org.au

www.mentalhealhnsw.gov.au

Get in contact with us

P: (02) 9717 ####

E: hello@azurebeachpubliclibrary.gov.au

A: 44 Lighting Way, Azure Beach NSW 2100

W: Azure Beach Public Library Webiste

Opening hours

Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm

Saturday: 9am – 4pm | Sunday: 10am – 1pm

Blog Creator: MOHAMMAD SADEGHIAN FIROOZABADI

Australian Voices: a Human Library event

Australia Day means different things to different people. When you think of Australia Day, do you think of bbq's, fireworks, and a game of footy? To our Indigenous community in Azure Beach, it's not a day of celebration; it's a day that can symbolise colonisation, survival, and mourning. In Azure Beach, we pride ourselves on our diverse community and our strong Indigenous cultural heritage. But how well do you know the stories of your Indigenous neighbours?

At Azure Beach Library next February 3rd, join us for our first ever Human Library event, where you can borrow a human book to learn their story and ask questions you've never had the chance to. Supported by the Human Library Organisation and local Gumbaynggirr Nation elders and community, we invite you to come along and have a yarn.

EVENT INFO

DATE: Saturday, 3rd February 2024

TIME: 10AM-12PM

VENUE: Azure Beach Library, Library Courtyard [map]

ADMISSION: Free registration, all ages welcome

Please register online HERE!

Want to delve deeper into the topics discussed during Australian Voices? Visit the Cultural Hertiage Government site for a wealth of information about Indigenous culture, heritage sites, and preservation efforts. To find out more about the Human Library organisation and the concept behind it, visit their site.

Contact:

australianvoices@azurebeachlibrary.nsw.edu.au

0400 000 000

Isobel Michie

My Country; Our Community: NAIDOC Week Human Library Event

 

Coming Soon: My Country; Our Community

Celebrating the special connection our Aboriginal community members have with Azure Beach - a Human Library Event.

"Bundeena” by Eric Opena ( Bundeena NSW | 28 Feb 2021: Bundeena takes its name from an … | Flickr) by Eric Opena is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

What’s a Human Library Event you ask?

As part of the Human Library® movement, the event involves a living breathing person agreeing to be an “open book” and be borrowed by a Reader – that is to sit down for a conversation. 

The Human Library® Organization began in Europe in 2000 and has grown into a world wide movement, breaking down barriers and stereotypes, though the power of conversation.  For more information on this movement, check out  Unjudge someone - The Human Library Organization

What’s does it involve?

We’ll be opening the event and the Azure Beach Main Branch Library with local Aboriginal elders giving a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony in the Library Courtyard at 10 am on Saturday 8 July 2023.

Afterwards four Aboriginal members of our community will be available for conversations about their lives, their experience, their connection to the beautiful Azure Beach area and being part of the wider Azure Beach community.  

Come and have a chat with any one of:

• ·       Jessie - local high school teacher, find out about her journey from Azure Beach to the city to get her teaching degree, and her return home to teach at the school she was once a student.  
  
  
• ·       Bill – once a promising football star whose career was cut short due to injury and who came home to Country to heal and now works as a youth social worker.
  
  
• ·       Maisie – one of the “Stolen Generation” – learn about her trials and triumphs as she sought to find out where she was from and establish a connection with her lost culture.
  
  
• ·       Bob – retired local who worked for many years in fishing boats along the coast and who knows this Country like he knows the wrinkles on his hands.

It’s part of Azure Beach’s NAIDIC Week celebrations

For some community members this will be an opportunity to gain an understanding of the indigenous experience in Australia, to break down stereotypes, foster understanding and consider different points of view.

For indigenous community members it's an opportunity to talk with someone who shares a common connection to Country, but whose path and perspectives may be different.

For more information on NAIDOC week and Local Council’s NAIDOC Week celebrations see www.naidoc.org.au and www.ablocalcouncil.nsw.gov.au

 

This Event is Free,

 but Bookings for Books are essential.

When: Saturday,  8 July 10am – 1pm

Where: Azure Beach Public Library – Main Branch, 1 Coastal Road Azure Beach NSW 2777

Bookings: Reserve your Book by:

·       Calling the Library on 7777 8888

·       Emailing the Library at Libraybookings@azurebpl.gov.au

·       Registering online at www.eventbrite.com.au/AzureBeachPL/MyCountryOurCommunityHumanLibrary

Bernie Banbury

Refugee Stories - A Human Library Event

 REFUGEE STORIES - A HUMAN LIBRARY EVENT

When: Saturday 17th June at 10am until 4pm

Where: The forecourt of Azure Beach Library

Booking information:

Follow this link to the booking website www.example.com.au

A human library is an event or initiative where real people, referred to as "books," share their personal stories, experiences, and knowledge with others in a one-on-one or small group setting. It promotes dialogue, empathy, and understanding by breaking down stereotypes and fostering connections between diverse individuals.

This event aims to have people in the Azure Beach community "borrow" the surprise guest speakers and have people in the community ask these "books" appropriate questions about their experiences as refugees. This event will be held for World Refugee Day which is on the week of the 20th of June.

link to info about World Refugee Day

link to info about Human Libraries 

Contact information

Call Azure Beach Library at 02 9511 1114

or Come visit in person at 1 Sunshine Rd, Azure Beach, 2220

Reuben Fromant

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover - Finding Freedom

Refugee Week is celebrated around the country annually, providing the opportunity to acknowledge the success of refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australian society. This year’s theme is “Finding Freedom”.  In our June Human Library event we will have volunteers from the community that are refugees to participate and speak about their experiences. 

As Refugee Welcome Zone for refugees from Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria we will primarily have volunteers from these areas. They will talk about their reasons for leaving their homeland, whether political or religious beliefs, ethnicity, nationality, or membership of a particular social group, or because of war, natural disaster, or climate change. They will also explain the process of seeking asylum in Australia and how they came to be in Azure Beach. 

Some of them left behind family to seek a better life and ended up in refugee camps, others came with their whole families spent their life savings seeking freedom. Many arrived in Australia and still faced discrimination and were not accepted here. These talks will help to enlighten our community to the privilege we have of being born into this country, and how far people will go the find freedom. Come on in and "borrow" one of our "Human books" to find out someone else's story!

When: Thursday 22nd June 2023

Time: 4pm - 7pm

Where: Azure Beach Public Library, in the main library area

How to book: booking.com/abplrefugeeweekbooks

For more information on refugee week visit: https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/ 

To enquire or volunteer email us at: libraryevents@abc.gov.au

Lucy Sharkey

Human Library Living Books: Guiding Youth in Mental Heath [FREE]

As teenagers reach the end of their childhood and begin that transition from adolescence into adulthood, that journey can often be challenging and sometimes traumatic. That transition can also often not end well, with early adulthood offering little relief. There is no shame in taking longer than others to reach your goal, or what you think is normal, or what is the minimum. There are others, millions, experiencing this transition and many more who have been through it, and thrived.

 
This October 14th, Azure Beach Library and the Human LibraryTM have collaborated to help in our small way by offering up 4 living books that can help you approach or process this part of your life. This event is aimed at individuals 15 to 24 years of age, however if you find that you are still struggling with these issues, feel free to register for a talk and 'borrow' one of our living books for a sympathetic and compassionate ear.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023

• Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Venue: Azure Beach Public Library, Courtyard

• Tickets: This is a FREE event. Registration is REQUIRED at www.eventbrite.com.au/AzureBeachLibraryEventsThisIsAFakeAddress

   

This Mental Health Month, let's help offer a safe space for others in our community to come together, share and connect and help them enjoy life, in any way or form.

To connect with us and keep up to date with this event, future events or what the library has to offer, make sure to find us at @AzureBeachLibrary on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok and Azure Beach Public Library on Facebook. 

 

 In case of emergency, please ring 000 for mental health and general health assistance and for further resources on mental health, please visit the following weblinks:

• www.beyondblue.org.au
• www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Contact Details

• E-Mail: Info@AzureBeachLibrary.gov.au
  

• Phone: 0412 345 678

Jamie L

Some books aren't books somehow

 Hello reader!

For refugee week this year, we here at Azure Beach public library are hosting a human library event for our younger population.

        

What is a human library?

A human library is where a place, in collaboration with Human Library (https://humanlibrary.org/) will organise "human books" for people to loan out and have their experiences shared.

In getting people who have lived the refugee experience to talk to the local youths, we hope to enrich their understanding of the world and their and others places in it.

When/where is it? 

We're hosting this event on the 19th of June this year between 16:00 and 18:00 in the main library area - this is not a ticketed event but, if you'd like to reserve a time please contact us at ABPLevents@azurebeach.gov.au

T Quinlan

The Elder Scrolls: Borrowind

 

During Seniors Week this year, Azure Beach Library is holding a Human Library Event.

What’s a Human Library? It’s an event where real people are on loan to readers. You get to talk to someone you probably wouldn’t normally talk to and challenge some stereotypes.

Our books on loan this year are older members of our community. You’ve seen them around but have you ever talked to them? Now's your chance to ask them anything you like.

Come along on Saturday the 11th and borrow an Elder Scroll and unjudge the boomers, the Karens, and probably at least one guy who took an arrow to the knee.

Old people - they’re not just NPCs

WHEN: Saturday, 11th February, 10am until 12:30pm
WHERE: Azure Beach Library, courtyard (will be held indoors if raining)
COST: Free, light refreshments provided
ENQUIRIES: (02) 1234 5678

 

To learn more about the Human Library concept, click here: https://humanlibrary.org/

C. Wilkinson

Trumping​ ignorance // Triumphing enlightenment​- Human Living Library

"Almost 1 in 4 young people meet the criteria for a probable serious mental illness (PSMI)" 

 Mission Australia and Black Dog Institute report. 

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, which means this is the perfect time for ​us to reflect upon the importance of a healthy mind and what it means to live with mental illness. In this society, while our attention to physical health is paramount, we often forget that a healthy mind is the driver behind our ambitious endeavour to self-improvement. 

By now, you're probably wondering what we mean by 'human living library'---a human library or book is a group of people or a singular person who has willingly volunteered to share their anecdotes and stories to complete strangers. In placing a face and voice to a story, libraries and their living books hope to enlighten 'borrowers' (like you) about often controversial topics. 

Join 4 brave human libraries as they share their experiences of the highs, lows and curiosities of mental illness- below reads a list of the kind of books available for you to borrow (off our extremely limited, one-off shelf): 

- Bipolar disorder: not all black-and-white. 

- Schizophrenia: more than meets the eye. 

- Dissociative identity disorder: seldom understood, always judged. 

- Obsessive compulsive disorder: not an adjective. 

At the conclusion of the session, you will have the opportunity to collect a free 'mental health ribbon' enamel pin as souvenir of your experience. 

Learn how you can weaponise truth and empathy to combat stereotypes, find common ground and improve your own state of mind. 

DATE: 7th of October, 2023 (First Saturday of the month). 

TIME: 1:00pm-4:30pm. 

LOCATION: Azure Beach Public Library main branch- Cove Meeting Room.

FEE: Free entry, register interest. 

To learn more and register your place as borrower, please click the button below- Be quick! spots are limited. 

For more information about mental health, please visit; Youth Mental Health- Black Dog Institute- https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-areas/youth-mental-health/  

K. Skelly