What happens when you sit down with someone whose life experiences are very different from your own and have a candid conversation together? To mark Diversity Day and Maastricht University’s 50th anniversary, UM is organizing two interconnected Living Library events: one at the University Library in Randwyck (October 1) and one at the De Rink community center (October 10), bringing UM out into the city.

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Breaking down barriers

At a Living Library, the ‘books’ are people. During a 20-minute conversation, you can meet someone whose identity, background or experience is different from your own and ask questions you might normally hesitate to ask. The books share their stories on their own terms, in a setting built around openness and mutual respect. The books will come from both UM and the local community, creating encounters across the boundaries that can separate university and local life. They could be, for example, a professor with a disability, a former miner, a transgender researcher or someone who receives social assistance.

Research shows that these conversations can foster empathy, challenge stereotypes and reduce prejudice. These conversations help us see beyond labels and assumptions, creating greater understanding and connection across our shared community.