Two councillors are to take part in an unique event for York when residents get the opportunity to visit a ‘human library' this Saturday (5 June)

The event involves individuals offering themselves as ‘books' for people to borrow for half an hour at a time, giving York residents the opportunity to chat informally with people they might otherwise not get the opportunity to meet.

Labour councillors James Alexander and Sonja Crisp are both participating in the event. Coun. Crisp said:

"I think this event is a great way for people to get to know people from any walk of life that they are interested in. Hopefully some people will be interested in talking to us as elected representatives, and want to find out a bit more about what we do and what drives us. I will be speaking about my father's influence on me as an escapee from Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, his aspirations for me which in turn became my aspirations.
"But the day is about all sorts of different people and interests. Some people may want to meet people from different cultures and professions than their own. I certainly plan to borrow a book as well as being one for the afternoon!"

Leader of the council's Labour Group, Coun. James Alexander said:

"I thought this was a really worthwhile event to get involved in. I'm passionate about politics and widening opportunities for people who haven't the aspirations that everyone should have instilled in them when they are growing up.

"This is one of the issues I will be talking with people about, but am happy to discuss any aspect of me and what I do. I think the event is a fantastic way of promoting better understanding of others, and ultimately in achieving better community cohesion. I would urge people to go along and borrow a book or two if they have the opportunity to".