“I would recommend this to anyone. The experience was extremely inspiring and empowering, and I don’t think I have experienced a better way of learning about and understanding issues that people face.” – Reader Testimonial
The Human Library
Bealtaine Festival
30 May 2026
At the Human Library you can borrow books just like any other library. However, the difference with this library is that the “books” are living people with personal stories and experiences from their own life. The Human Library creates a safe space where challenging and taboo subjects can be discussed in the open.
The Human Library Organization centres around dialogue, curiosity, and creating a safe space between the Human Books and you as their Reader. As a Reader, you’ll have an extraordinary opportunity to engage with people from different walks of life, ask the questions you always wanted, and learn from lived experience.
For more information on The Human Library: The Human Library Organization – Don’t Judge a Book By its Cover
Testimonials from Readers
“I still have lots to learn on this diversity and inclusion subject, but this session encourages me to look for more information and even try to participate in additional Human Library sessions.”
“With both books, there was an insight into how unaccommodating our broader society is to people who do not fit within some traditionally defined standard. It’s disappointing to think that there are so many small changes that can be made within our society to make everyone feel more seen and valued.”
“The experience was amazing, very well managed from beginning to end, it felt like a safe space. I learnt a lot, felt empowered to ask questions and loved the two books I had a chance to read were brave, extremely interesting, but also open, inviting and accepting…The flow and management of the event was seamless – loved the instructions, set up, and available help every step of the way.”
About Age & Opportunity
Age & Opportunity is the national organisation working to enhance wellbeing for older people through participation in sport and physical activity, arts and creative engagement, personal development, community collaboration and active citizenship.
The Bealtaine Festival, an Age & Opportunity Arts initiative, is one of our flagship events. The festival continues to grow with the support and collaboration of our partners and hundreds of organisers throughout the country, as well as all those who attend a Bealtaine event. We are grateful to all those who organised events and look forward to another creative and inspiring year of Bealtaine Festival.
Funder Credits
Bealtaine Festival is an Age & Opportunity arts initiative funded by the Arts Council and the HSE.
Dates & Times
30 May
1:30pm - 4pm
Tickets
Free to attend, no booking required.
Space
Upper Foyer
Genres
DiscussionFestivalSpecial Event
https://vimeo.com/
Support Project Arts Centre and join us in developing the next generation of contemporary artists in Ireland
