Become a Living Book. Share Your Story. Challenge Stereotypes.
Join the Ajax Living Library and help open minds, one conversation at a time.
What is a Living Library?
A Living Library is where people become “books” on loan. Visitors check out a book they want to read, but instead, the books are real people, and "reading" is a conversation between the Living Book and the borrower.
Each Living Book volunteers to share a personal story or life experience that others might not understand, have questions about, or carry bias toward. "Readers" borrow Living Books for respectful, open dialogue to challenge assumptions, break stereotypes, and promote understanding, one connection at a time.
Who can be a Living Book?
Anyone with a lived experience they're willing to share in an honest, thoughtful way. You don't need to be a public speaker you just need to be YOU!
Some examples of Living Book titles might include:
- Neurodivergent and Proud
- Living with Anxiety
- Moving to Canada: New Journey in a New Culture
Need some more inspiration? Check out the Living Books from previous Ajax Living Library events below.
What to Expect as a Living Book?
As a Living Book you will:
- Choose you own title and share your lived experience
- Engage in small, timed conversations with individual or small groups of "Readers"
- Answer honest questions in a safe, respectful environment
- Receive training and support ahead of the event
The Living Library is not a performance; it's a space for real conversations. You control how much you share and can opt out of any question or session.
Why Participate as a Living Book?
Every story matters. Your voice matters. Living Books have the potential to:
- Help others understand experiences they've never lived.
- Make a difference by challenging stereotypes and breaking down prejudice.
- Foster empathy and connection through honest, respectful conversation.
- Empower yourself by sharing your lived experience on your own terms.
You never know whose life your story might change!
Apply to be a Living Book!
We're now accepting applications for Living Books.
Complete the 2026 Living Library Application Form
Application Deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025
Help Spread the Word
Do you know someone whose story could inspire? Share this page with them!
Previous Living Books
Jolly Abrakasa
The Banana Plant Stump Doll
I was raised to believe that elders are knowledge keepers, repositories of information, and it is their duty to transmit this knowledge to those coming after them who are then responsible to build on the knowledge passed down to ensure that the errors of the past are not repeated. Since I now consider myself an elder, I am ready to pass on my knowledge in the form of telling my lived experiences in the hope that they can be educational, informative and sometimes, entertaining.
In these modern times, we daily hear of wars and rumors of war. As an educator in Ontario, I have taught children as well as adults who have survived wars, and my discussions with them over the years prompted my story. All parents, no matter their ethnicity or circumstances want their children to have a childhood. And childhood is a time for toys. So how do parents "manufacture" toys for their children in war times? This it the story of the toys I played with during my country's three-year civil war.
Check out Jolly's video
Meagan Bailey
I'm Here, I'm Queer, and I Want to Tell You About It
What’s life like if you’re attracted to...no one? Not men, or women, or both – but neither? Moreover, what if you couldn’t even understand what attraction was like in the first place? That’s the situation I found myself in.
Hi, I’m Meagan, I’m aromantic asexual (aro ace), and I didn’t figure that out until I was in my early twenties. Before that, I went through life very confused – why did everyone care so much about romance? Why did people find sex jokes funny? I also figured out that I’m agender last year, and before that, I went through daily life uncomfortable at so many things – being called sister, or daughter, or Miss. Ever since figuring myself out, life has been so much richer and more enjoyable. I want to share that richness with people and save people the confusion I went through for so long.
Check out Meagan's video
Shane Christensen
Be Your Own Best Friend
When I look back at my life, I realize that from my earliest recollections I always strived to be positive even when faced with turmoil and negativity. What I didn't realize as a child was that this was a built-in survival mechanism that allowed me to deal with adversity. By the time I was in mid-life, I recognized that positivity is a discipline that takes great effort at times. But the rewards can be life changing.
It's this realization that motivates me to share my stories of overcoming adversity to help others, which ultimately can be summed up as always be your own best friend.
Check out Shane's video
Julie MacIntosh
My Journey to Finding Purpose
I'm dedicating this book to me. This may seem a little self-centered, but during this time of reflection, I realize that my life needs to start with one's self and finding the reason for which we exist must come from within.
Let me take you on a ride while cycling through my stories and the roles I've held while volunteering. Follow me on my journey through some of my ups and downs as I creatively improve my life by helping others. How the use of decision making, networking, problem solving and other strategies helped me reach the goal I aim to achieve.
This journey healed my heart, mind and spirit. My hope is that in sharing my story, I will inspire others to find unique and fun ways to give back to their community, lead them to exploring new possibilities and maybe finding their greater purpose.
Check out Julie's video
Jothi Saldanha
Love, Lost and Found
At 29, everything shifted for me. An invitation to visit my biological father whom I'd never truly known beckoned me to Malaysia. Curiosity stirred with longing, and though our bond was fragile, I asked the unthinkable: “Can I stay?”
Hungry for connection and aching for belonging, I surrendered to the unknown. I boxed up my life, kissed loved ones goodbye, and walked away from the man who held my heart. A leap of faith. A dive into a dream.
But the dream quickly blurred. What I found was not the warmth of reunion, but the chill of silence. Isolation crept in. Rejection stung. Secrets hung heavy in the air. The father I had imagined—welcoming and whole—remained just out of reach. My heart broke, quietly.
Yet in the silence, something stirred. Beneath the ache and disillusionment, I met a fierce, quiet strength—my own. Amid unfamiliar streets and traditions, I unearthed myself.
And as I stitched the pieces of my soul back together, love found me again—not as a memory, but as a homecoming. The man I had once left behind stood waiting—not out of longing, but as someone who had never truly let go.
I went to Malaysia to find my father. Instead, I found my way back to myself—and the love that never left.
Check out Jothi's video
Summi Siddiqui
The Road is My Home
My travels have exposed me to diverse cultures and societies. I have seen the value of people motivating and inspiring each other. As a travelling storyteller / educator / artist / poet / writer / performer/ musician / motivational speaker, I find I can connect and understand people on various levels. I have broken bread with nomads in the desert, monks in monasteries, connected with people on the streets of other nations and in the great palaces of the world. We need to experience the world with our senses, instead of viewing it on tiny screens from the comfort of our homes. I will talk about strangers I have met, conversations I have had, emotions I have witnessed and felt. The world is full of wonders. It is an exciting place that is forever changing. Ignore the barriers… they are just man-made.
Check out Summi's video.
Ray Smith
A Ray of Sunshine
In 1986, I suffered a workplace accident that left me legally blind. This incident had the capacity to send me to a negative place, but with some tough love, and support from family and friends, I chose to look on the bright side. I am a strong advocate for building accessible and age-friendly communities. In my professional career, I worked for Sun Life Financial as an ambassador for workers with a disability, WSIB promoting the importance of health and safety, and was a Union Steward and co-chair for the
CUPE National Accessibility Committee.
Since retirement, I am actively involved with the CNIB and am a member of the Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Age-Friendly Steering Committee, and Recreation & Culture’s Older Adult Task Force. Through my committee work, I have facilitated improvements to the accessibility of my neighbourhood, provided educational presentations to Town staff, and used my lived experience to improve the accessibility of Town communication materials. I was recently awarded the Town of Ajax, Senior of the Year.
Check out Ray's video
Fredrica Walters
Lemons into Lemonade
My husband and I had two daughters and prayed diligently for a son. On December 24, 1985, we were blessed with a handsome baby boy whom we named Jean-Marc. He was everything we could have ever asked for: curious, intelligent, loving, daring, full of life, and filled with promise. A diagnosis and fate brought years of pain, strain, and sadness.
When your dream turns to ashes, what do you do? When life deals you a lemon, make some lemonade!
Check out Fredrica's video
Become a Living Book. Share Your Story. Challenge Stereotypes.
Join the Ajax Living Library and help open minds, one conversation at a time.
What is a Living Library?
A Living Library is where people become “books” on loan. Visitors check out a book they want to read, but instead, the books are real people, and "reading" is a conversation between the Living Book and the borrower.
Each Living Book volunteers to share a personal story or life experience that others might not understand, have questions about, or carry bias toward. "Readers" borrow Living Books for respectful, open dialogue to challenge assumptions, break stereotypes, and promote understanding, one connection at a time.
Who can be a Living Book?
Anyone with a lived experience they're willing to share in an honest, thoughtful way. You don't need to be a public speaker you just need to be YOU!
Some examples of Living Book titles might include:
- Neurodivergent and Proud
- Living with Anxiety
- Moving to Canada: New Journey in a New Culture
Need some more inspiration? Check out the Living Books from previous Ajax Living Library events below.
What to Expect as a Living Book?
As a Living Book you will:
- Choose you own title and share your lived experience
- Engage in small, timed conversations with individual or small groups of "Readers"
- Answer honest questions in a safe, respectful environment
- Receive training and support ahead of the event
The Living Library is not a performance; it's a space for real conversations. You control how much you share and can opt out of any question or session.
Why Participate as a Living Book?
Every story matters. Your voice matters. Living Books have the potential to:
- Help others understand experiences they've never lived.
- Make a difference by challenging stereotypes and breaking down prejudice.
- Foster empathy and connection through honest, respectful conversation.
- Empower yourself by sharing your lived experience on your own terms.
You never know whose life your story might change!
Apply to be a Living Book!
We're now accepting applications for Living Books.
Complete the 2026 Living Library Application Form
Application Deadline: Monday, November 24, 2025
Help Spread the Word
Do you know someone whose story could inspire? Share this page with them!
Previous Living Books
Jolly Abrakasa
The Banana Plant Stump Doll
I was raised to believe that elders are knowledge keepers, repositories of information, and it is their duty to transmit this knowledge to those coming after them who are then responsible to build on the knowledge passed down to ensure that the errors of the past are not repeated. Since I now consider myself an elder, I am ready to pass on my knowledge in the form of telling my lived experiences in the hope that they can be educational, informative and sometimes, entertaining.
In these modern times, we daily hear of wars and rumors of war. As an educator in Ontario, I have taught children as well as adults who have survived wars, and my discussions with them over the years prompted my story. All parents, no matter their ethnicity or circumstances want their children to have a childhood. And childhood is a time for toys. So how do parents "manufacture" toys for their children in war times? This it the story of the toys I played with during my country's three-year civil war.
Check out Jolly's video
Meagan Bailey
I'm Here, I'm Queer, and I Want to Tell You About It
What’s life like if you’re attracted to...no one? Not men, or women, or both – but neither? Moreover, what if you couldn’t even understand what attraction was like in the first place? That’s the situation I found myself in.
Hi, I’m Meagan, I’m aromantic asexual (aro ace), and I didn’t figure that out until I was in my early twenties. Before that, I went through life very confused – why did everyone care so much about romance? Why did people find sex jokes funny? I also figured out that I’m agender last year, and before that, I went through daily life uncomfortable at so many things – being called sister, or daughter, or Miss. Ever since figuring myself out, life has been so much richer and more enjoyable. I want to share that richness with people and save people the confusion I went through for so long.
Check out Meagan's video
Shane Christensen
Be Your Own Best Friend
When I look back at my life, I realize that from my earliest recollections I always strived to be positive even when faced with turmoil and negativity. What I didn't realize as a child was that this was a built-in survival mechanism that allowed me to deal with adversity. By the time I was in mid-life, I recognized that positivity is a discipline that takes great effort at times. But the rewards can be life changing.
It's this realization that motivates me to share my stories of overcoming adversity to help others, which ultimately can be summed up as always be your own best friend.
Check out Shane's video
Julie MacIntosh
My Journey to Finding Purpose
I'm dedicating this book to me. This may seem a little self-centered, but during this time of reflection, I realize that my life needs to start with one's self and finding the reason for which we exist must come from within.
Let me take you on a ride while cycling through my stories and the roles I've held while volunteering. Follow me on my journey through some of my ups and downs as I creatively improve my life by helping others. How the use of decision making, networking, problem solving and other strategies helped me reach the goal I aim to achieve.
This journey healed my heart, mind and spirit. My hope is that in sharing my story, I will inspire others to find unique and fun ways to give back to their community, lead them to exploring new possibilities and maybe finding their greater purpose.
Check out Julie's video
Jothi Saldanha
Love, Lost and Found
At 29, everything shifted for me. An invitation to visit my biological father whom I'd never truly known beckoned me to Malaysia. Curiosity stirred with longing, and though our bond was fragile, I asked the unthinkable: “Can I stay?”
Hungry for connection and aching for belonging, I surrendered to the unknown. I boxed up my life, kissed loved ones goodbye, and walked away from the man who held my heart. A leap of faith. A dive into a dream.
But the dream quickly blurred. What I found was not the warmth of reunion, but the chill of silence. Isolation crept in. Rejection stung. Secrets hung heavy in the air. The father I had imagined—welcoming and whole—remained just out of reach. My heart broke, quietly.
Yet in the silence, something stirred. Beneath the ache and disillusionment, I met a fierce, quiet strength—my own. Amid unfamiliar streets and traditions, I unearthed myself.
And as I stitched the pieces of my soul back together, love found me again—not as a memory, but as a homecoming. The man I had once left behind stood waiting—not out of longing, but as someone who had never truly let go.
I went to Malaysia to find my father. Instead, I found my way back to myself—and the love that never left.
Check out Jothi's video
Summi Siddiqui
The Road is My Home
My travels have exposed me to diverse cultures and societies. I have seen the value of people motivating and inspiring each other. As a travelling storyteller / educator / artist / poet / writer / performer/ musician / motivational speaker, I find I can connect and understand people on various levels. I have broken bread with nomads in the desert, monks in monasteries, connected with people on the streets of other nations and in the great palaces of the world. We need to experience the world with our senses, instead of viewing it on tiny screens from the comfort of our homes. I will talk about strangers I have met, conversations I have had, emotions I have witnessed and felt. The world is full of wonders. It is an exciting place that is forever changing. Ignore the barriers… they are just man-made.
Check out Summi's video.
Ray Smith
A Ray of Sunshine
In 1986, I suffered a workplace accident that left me legally blind. This incident had the capacity to send me to a negative place, but with some tough love, and support from family and friends, I chose to look on the bright side. I am a strong advocate for building accessible and age-friendly communities. In my professional career, I worked for Sun Life Financial as an ambassador for workers with a disability, WSIB promoting the importance of health and safety, and was a Union Steward and co-chair for the
CUPE National Accessibility Committee.
Since retirement, I am actively involved with the CNIB and am a member of the Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Age-Friendly Steering Committee, and Recreation & Culture’s Older Adult Task Force. Through my committee work, I have facilitated improvements to the accessibility of my neighbourhood, provided educational presentations to Town staff, and used my lived experience to improve the accessibility of Town communication materials. I was recently awarded the Town of Ajax, Senior of the Year.
Check out Ray's video
Fredrica Walters
Lemons into Lemonade
My husband and I had two daughters and prayed diligently for a son. On December 24, 1985, we were blessed with a handsome baby boy whom we named Jean-Marc. He was everything we could have ever asked for: curious, intelligent, loving, daring, full of life, and filled with promise. A diagnosis and fate brought years of pain, strain, and sadness.
When your dream turns to ashes, what do you do? When life deals you a lemon, make some lemonade!
Check out Fredrica's video
