Everyone Has a Story - A Human Library Event in Celebration of NAIDOC Week

                                              Image credit: Les Haines

Hosted by Azure Beach Public Library in celebration of NAIDOC Week.

Dating back over 60,000 years, Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have the oldest known culture in the world. They are the traditional custodians of this land and yet they are not recognised within the Australian constitution. Since colonisation from European settlers in 1788, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been oppressed and are still subjected to racism and discrimination in the modern-day.

Human library: Tales from the past - First Nations Australians

"Aboriginal flag mural, Eveleigh Street Redfern, circa 2003" by Patricia Baillie, collection owned and licensed by City of Sydney Archives is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

As part of NAIDOC Week, Azure beach library will be hosting a human library event, featuring several Indigenous elders from the local area who will be sharing their stories and history. This event aims to create an environment for open discussion and dialogue; as storytelling is an integral part of Indigenous culture. Attendees will gain a further understanding of the history of Australia and Indigenous culture, and participants will feel seen, heard, and understood; having been  able to share both their past traumas and their pride in this setting. 

Australia has a complicated history with its Indigenous population, the rightful owners of this land. Many Australians are aware of the history of the land, but not the ongoing and profound impact it has had on First Nations Australians. 

By providing the space and opportunity to ask questions and share stories, we can help to strengthen bonds and connections within our community, provide a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and culture; and figure out how to better help the traditional custodians of this land.

What is a human library?

A human library is an opportunity for learning and growth; where members of the community can volunteer to become "books"; sharing their life stories by being "borrowed" for a conversation by attendees, creating an environment of open discussion that encourages diversity and learning, and aims to remove stigma and prejudice.

Event details

When: 12th of July, 2025

Where: Azure Beach Public Library courtyard

Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Price: Free

Note: To register for this event, you must be a library member. Click here to go to our website and sign up now! Registration is completely free, and gives you access to a world of opportunities!

Questions and enquiries

More information on human libraries can be found here

More information on NAIDOC Week can be found here

For further information, contact the library on (02) 9123 4567 or at library.contactus@azurebeach.gov.au

Post by Erika Hutchings