The EYE Village at the European Youth Event buzzed with meaningful conversations as the Council of Europe Youth Department organised once again a Living Library stand. This year, 230 young people connected with extraordinary persons – “books” - whose life stories aimed to challenge stereotypes and prejudices.

 The concept of the Living Library transforms the traditional notion of a library, replacing books on shelves with real people sharing their lived experiences. Young people from across Europe and beyond had the unique opportunity to "borrow" human books for intimate 20-minute conversations, creating a safe space for dialogue on topics often shrouded in prejudice or misunderstanding.

 Among the remarkable human books this time were individuals whose stories represent a cross-section of human resilience and diversity. Participants engaged with various books – including an oppressed human rights activist from Angola, the imam, policeman, journalist, former unaccompanied minor from Mali, former Guantanamo detainee, repentant neo nazi and a person who grew up with neo nazi family, a “Gipsy” – foreigner from the inside, young activist, member of LGBTQIA+ community, former homeless person, a woman in politics, children’s rights activist in politics.

 Participants shared their impressions following conversations with the books as deeply moving, and said that they have challenged their preconceptions and broadened their understanding of complex social issues.