Police, prison officer and LGBTQ member to make up first 'Human Library' in Northampton

Ditch the books at new 'human book' event in Northampton designed to get people chattering about their stories instead.

Twelve people - for the purpose of this story known only as 'human books' - will be dotted around Northampton's Market Square on Friday, February 14 to challenge perceptions among the public.

Community Court Yard is behind the Human Library event, which will see members of the police force, prison officers, LGBTQ+ community and Windrush generation, among others, tell their stories through the medium of conversation.

Jasmin England, conversation starter, said: “This is an amazing opportunity to share a coffee and conversation with real people who have some extraordinary stories to tell and will be a chance to reconnect communities through storytelling."

Bosses at Community Court Yard are extending the invite to anybody wanting to attend the free event.

Bianca Todd said: "Valentines Day is a day where people can feel lonely and we wanted to do something that brings people together, which shows Northampton people are warm and have great stories.

"It's a chance for us to 'un-judge' eachother."

The human books can be found around the Market Square at Cafe Track, Zapato Lounge or The Hub, from 11am.

It's the first Human Library in Northampton with Community Court Yard set to host three more this year.

There are two more events in the making so far with a young persons Human Library planned for summer, to coincide with the knife angel visiting Northampton.

Then, in September, another event will be held in theme with refugees and the different nationalities, which make up this town.

"People can come and read a book without actually having to read," Bianca added. "There's no need to bring a book with you. If you don't have a question there will be some on the table."

Lois Brookes Jones, human book "A Human Library, is a space where people can ask questions about difficult issues and I am really looking forward to sharing my story with people and being part of building a positive framework for conversations that can challenge and inspire."

It comes as Community Court Yard has been awarded a National Lottery grant for three years to the tune of £220,000 to set up a new community centre in Gold Street this month.

It will be open at the point-of-need, at nighttime, weekends and early morning for anyone who wants to use it.

If you would like to find out more information about the Human Library, follow Community Court Yard on Facebook at The Yard or Community Courtyard.