Ripley school hosting a Living Library June 6

For the first time ever, Ripley-Huron Community School is hosting a Living Library, Tuesday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the school.

The event gives students a better understanding of various people throughout the community. Some of the Living Books will be about careers, while others will be about life stories - acceptance, tolerance, inclusion, and so on.

There will be chaperones in the rooms with each living book so the students will not be left unattended - some will be staff, and others will be volunteers. The teachers and volunteers are able to switch around so they can listen to different books and enjoy the event as much as the students.

A short write-up about each Living Book will be made available, so the students can then choose what books they would like to listen to and speak with. No names are included - that is up to each "book" to introduce himself or herself to each group and tell a bit of a story about his/her life and career, and then the conversations begin.

For example, one Living Book is described as: "Grew up in Ripley, attended Ripley-Huron Central School and Ripley District High School, secretary/treasurer of a commercial beekeeping operation, manage on-site store/garden and supervise summer students, promote eating local, importance of honey and pollination and aspects of beekeeping."

This year, the event is open to Grades 5 to 8 students from Ripley, Lucknow and Teeswater.