People-Lending Libraries

The Surrey City Centre Library to Offer 'Living Books' to the Public

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.

Human Library
Creating a platform where people can borrow volunteers with unique skills or histories to promote learning and break down stereotypes.
Experience-based Learning
Shifting from traditional learning methods and embracing interactive experiences that engage and educate.
Personalized Knowledge Sharing
Facilitating one-on-one interactions between individuals with specific knowledge or expertise to foster learning and growth.

Sectors Adopting This

Libraries
Innovating library services by offering unique experiences and expanding the ways people can learn and interact.
Education
Exploring alternative methods of education that focus on personalized, experiential learning.
Social Services
Leveraging the power of community and human connections to provide valuable services and promote inclusive environments.
SCORE
2.3 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe, Asia
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 12%
Activity 48%
Freshness 8%