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

In a Living Library, the ‘books’ are people. During a 20-minute conversation, you meet someone with a different identity, background, or life experience than your own and can ask questions you might not otherwise feel comfortable asking. The books share their stories on their own terms, in an environment centered on openness and mutual respect. The books come from both the UM community and the local community, creating encounters that bridge the boundaries that sometimes separate the university from the city. Think, for example, of a professor with a disability, a former miner, a transgender researcher, or someone receiving social assistance.

Research shows that these conversations can foster empathy, break down stereotypes, and reduce prejudice. These discussions help us look beyond labels and assumptions, contributing to greater understanding and connection within our shared community.