Living Library: Voices of War and Peace
Topic: Values
Emotional Intensity: HIGH
Format: Extended workshop
Source / Author: Adapted from the Living Library methodology (Council of Europe) and trauma-informed youth work practices. This version integrates ethical listening principles, consent-based facilitation, and high-sensitivity safeguards for war-related contexts.
Topic
Values
Also relevant for
Migration, Conflict transformation, Social cohesion, Integration, Trauma & resilience, Iintercultural dialogue
Objective (learning focus)
This Living Library creates a structured and safe space for direct human encounters between young people and individuals who have experienced war, displacement, or peacebuilding work. The workshop aims to replace abstract narratives and stereotypes with lived experiences, fostering empathy, ethical listening, and deeper reflection on values related to peace, dignity, coexistence, and responsibility. It is designed primarily for participants who seek to learn and listen, rather than for those who already identify as experts on the topic.
Target group
Age: Young people and young adults (16–30)
Profile:
Primarily host-community youth and international participants
People interested in learning, listening, and reflecting on war, peace, and migration
Note:
This format is not primarily intended for Ukrainian participants or people who already possess extensive knowledge and lived experience of the war, as the focus is on learning from lived experience rather than reproducing it within the same group.
Group size
Optimal number of participants (Readers): 12–16
Optimal number of Books: 4 (recommended minimum: 3; flexible maximum with adaptations)
Timing
Total duration: 2.5–3 hours
Dialogue rounds:
Standard: 4 rounds × 20 minutes
If more than 4 Books: reduce rounds to 15 minutes and increase breaks
Breaks: short transition breaks + one longer comfort break
Materials Needed
Quiet, private room/rooms with movable chairs/tables
Tables arranged for small, semi-private conversations
Book catalog with short, non-sensational descriptions
Conversation cards (optional prompts)
Consent and safety forms for Books and Readers
Water, tissues, access to a quiet retreat space
Step-by-step guide:
Phase 1 — Orientation & Safety
Welcome and framing of the Living Library concept
Clear explanation of roles (“Books” and “Readers”)
Review of consent, confidentiality, and trauma-sensitive guidelines
Emphasis on listening rather than questioning or advising
Phase 2 — Core Experience: Dialogue Rounds
Readers are pre-assigned or sign up for Books to ensure balanced groups
Each Book meets with a small group of Readers
Conversation cards are available as optional support, not requirements
Guiding principles for dialogue:
Ethical curiosity
Respect for boundaries
Right to silence and emotional pauses
Phase 3 — Meaning-Making & Collective Reflection
Extended group debrief in a circle
Sharing insights by choice, not obligation
Suggested prompts:
“What stayed with you the most?”
“What value became clearer for you today?”
“What do you want to take forward from this experience?”
Optional written reflection or shared “values wall”
Phase 4 — Closure & Aftercare
Collective gratitude to Books
Information about support resources
Optional symbolic closing (message for peace, shared word, or quiet moment)
Expected outcomes (for participants)
Individual level:
Increased empathy and awareness
Deeper reflection on values related to peace and dignity
Group level:
Reduced stereotypes and polarisation
Strengthened culture of ethical listening
Community level:
Greater readiness for inclusive dialogue and coexistence
Humanisation of migration and war-affected experiences
Trauma-informed note:
Main emotional risks:
Emotional overload for Books
Secondary trauma or overwhelm for Readers
Safety principles:
Voluntary participation and right to pause or withdraw
No recording without explicit consent
Clear boundaries around questions and topics
When NOT to use this workshop:
With groups lacking facilitation capacity
As a casual or entertainment-based activity
Without access to emotional support or aftercare
Adaptation (context / intercultural / age)
More Books: shorten rounds to 15 minutes and increase breaks
Online format: smaller groups, stricter facilitation, optional written prompts
Younger participants: fewer rounds, stronger framing and reflection support
Shortened version: minimum 2 rounds + structured debrief
Optionally use Living Library conversation cards, Consents and Safety Statement for Books and Readers if its needable (addition 1,2)
Recommendations for facilitators
The facilitator acts as a guardian of safety, not a moderator of content
Avoid framing stories as “success” or “lessons learned”
Monitor emotional states of Books and Readers continuously
Normalize pauses, emotions, and silence
Intervene gently if conversations become extractive or overwhelming
More about Living Library: Key Toolkits, Handbooks & Guidelines
Council of Europe – "Don’t judge a book by its cover! The Living Library Organiser’s Guide"
Widely used foundational guide on planning, recruiting, training, and running Living Library events for youth and community groups. Access here.
Online Living Library (Young Caritas)
A modern adaptation of the method for online settings, including practical tips for schools, webinars, and a database of video stories ready for educational use. Access here.
Living Library Booklet (Poland/Eastern Europe)
Extensive practical guide covering question cards, trauma awareness, hosting roles, and event evaluation, with digital and in-person advice. Access here.
Human Living Library Toolkit (Universities of Hull and Huddersfield)
Focuses on facilitator training, ground rules, and scenario-based learning for boundary-setting, empathy, and challenging situations. Access here.
Learning for Change – Human Library Facilitation Guide
Practical activities, tips, and staff training recommendations for youth work and social education settings. Access here.
Additional Resources
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Living Library conversation cards are practical tools to help both “Books” and “Readers” navigate conversations, especially for newcomers or those needing inspiration. Cards are typically divided into three color-coded sets for the different conversation phases and can be picked up voluntarily as prompts, not requirements.
Living Library Cards: Structure and Examples
Green cards (Beginning): Breaking the ice, learning about the “Book.”
“What made you want to participate as a Book?”
“Can you share a value that is important in your life?”
“Is there a stereotype about your background you want to address?”
Orange cards (Middle): Deeper exploration, experience sharing.
“Have your values changed as a result of a life experience?”
“Can you describe a challenging situation where your values were tested?”
“How do you respond when others don’t respect your values?”
Blue cards (End): Closure, reflection, mutual appreciation.
“What have you learned from talking with others about your story?”
“Is there something you wish people understood better about you?”
“How do these conversations influence your view of society?”
Cards can be pre-printed, cut, and placed in bowls on tables or included in a handout for online versions. Alternatively, make a single poster or handout with all prompts visible for review before the session begins. Usage is optional—participants can ignore or use as many cards as they like for inspiration.
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Consent & Safety Statements (optional tool)
The following consent statements are recommended for Living Library formats that address highly sensitive topics such as war, displacement, trauma, or discrimination.
They are not mandatory for every Living Library, but can be used when:
the topic involves lived experience of violence, loss, or displacement;
the event is public or semi-public;
participants do not know each other beforehand;
organizers want to emphasize ethical responsibility and emotional safety.
These statements help clarify boundaries, roles, and rights for both Books and Readers, and support a shared culture of care and respect.
How to use consent in practice?
Facilitator tip:
For smaller, trusted groups → verbal consent + group agreements may be enough
For public, intercultural, or first-time groups → written consent is recommended
For high-risk topics → always offer consent forms without pressure to sign
Consent and Safety Statement for Books
"By agreeing to be a Book in this Living Library event, I confirm that:
I am participating voluntarily and understand that I can end any conversation at any time without having to provide a reason.
I have been informed about the event’s format, expected audience, and my right to refuse to answer any question.
My story and personal boundaries will be respected at all times.
I understand that any form of recording (audio, video, photo) is not permitted unless I explicitly consent beforehand.
If I feel emotionally or physically uncomfortable at any time, I have the right to request a break or withdraw from participation.
I understand that emotional reactions are normal, and that I am not expected to share more than I feel ready for.
The organizers will offer support before, during, and after the event to ensure my wellbeing.
Signature: ___________________________ Date: _______________"
Consent and Safety Statement for Readers
"By joining as a Reader in the Living Library event, I agree to the following:
I will treat each Book with respect, understanding they are sharing real, personal experiences.
I will not record, photograph, or share stories without the Book’s explicit consent.
I will respect the Book’s right not to answer a question and their right to end the conversation at any time.
I understand that violence, offensive language, or behavior that endangers the dignity or wellbeing of the Book may result in my removal from the event in order to protect the safety and dignity of all participants.
I agree to return the Book ‘in the same mental and physical condition as I borrowed them’—respecting their boundaries and dignity throughout
Signature: ___________________________ Date: _______________"