In a world where polarization is growing and many voices remain unheard, the Living Library is bringing together a team to create new spaces for conversation.
The Living Library is building a volunteer team that believes in the power of conversation
In a world where polarization is growing and many voices remain unheard, the Living Library is bringing together a team to create new spaces for conversation.
We invite people who are just beginning their professional or civic journey and would like to help the Living Library events take place, as well as professionals with specific knowledge and experience who could contribute to the growth and development of this initiative.
At the moment, we invite people to join the Living Library on a volunteer basis. However, we see this team as a community that helps shape the future of the initiative. Over time, some roles may evolve into longer-term collaboration or professional partnerships.
We are especially looking for people working in or interested in the following areas:
- communication
- strategy
- human resources
- event organization
- digital product and experience design
- international partnerships and global development
- sustainability, social business models, and fundraising
🌍 You can join from anywhere
Although the Living Library is currently based in Lithuania and most face-to-face conversations take place here, it is also possible to contribute remotely. We therefore invite people living or working outside Lithuania to join as well.
There are many ways to contribute to the initiative: helping organize events in Lithuania, developing digital experiences and virtual meetings, working on strategy, partnerships, or fundraising, as well as contributing to international events and the long-term development of the method.
We are looking for people who can help this initiative grow and expand its impact—especially in places where journalism is weakening, democratic spaces are shrinking, and the voices of marginalized communities are heard less and less.
This year, the Living Library is entering a new phase. We are exploring new forms, missions, and spaces. At the same time, the core activity of the initiative remains just as important, which means there is also a place for those who help the Living Library run its events—librarians and event coordinators.
What is the Living Library?
The Living Library is a method where people become “living books,” sharing their personal stories in direct, face-to-face conversations.
It creates an opportunity to safely and openly encounter experiences that often remain beyond headlines, stereotypes, or public debates.
For 19 years, the Living Library has helped people meet and talk in Lithuania. Today we aim not only to continue this work but also to adapt the initiative to a stage in which societies are increasingly divided and real encounters between different lived experiences are becoming rarer.
As the Living Library approaches its 20th anniversary, we want to mark this milestone meaningfully by bringing together people who will help the initiative run, grow, and evolve.
Why do people join?
Some people join because they are drawn to the Living Library format and the power of real conversations.
Others join because they are looking for meaningful volunteering and a community.
And some join because they see the broader potential of this initiative and want to help ensure that the Living Library can operate in places where journalism is weakening, democratic spaces are shrinking, and it is becoming harder for people to be heard.
Why does this matter now?
Creating safe spaces for dialogue today is not easy. Public discourse increasingly encourages people to choose sides rather than try to understand where different perspectives come from. Discussions leave less and less room for curiosity and questions, and more room for quick judgments and labels.
Polarization not only grows between opposing groups. Sometimes it also emerges among people who share the same values—human rights, democracy, or social justice. When conversations become dominated by quick moral judgments or stereotypes, people often feel misunderstood, excluded, or dismissed. In such situations, differences in opinion deepen and trust between groups erodes.
Research shows that people respond to narratives not only based on whether they are factually correct, but also on how strongly those narratives resonate with their identity, experiences, or need to be heard. When this need for recognition remains unmet, polarization increases and the space for manipulation and disinformation expands.
The Living Library seeks to create different kinds of spaces—places where people can talk about complex issues, pause, listen, and try to understand what lies behind different experiences and perspectives.
Understanding does not mean agreeing with everything. But it helps reveal the fears, beliefs, and conflicts that shape people’s views, prevents communities from withdrawing into closed camps, and opens possibilities for societies to search for solutions together.
The Living Library creates exactly these kinds of spaces—where different experiences can meet not through labels or headlines, but through real conversations between people.
Roles we are looking for
Living Library librarians
These are the people who help conversations take place and ensure a safe space for dialogue between readers and living books.
Responsibilities:
- introducing the principles of the Living Library to participants
- helping readers and living books start conversations
- ensuring conversations remain respectful and safe
What we expect:
- ability to communicate with different people
- respect for diversity and human rights
- ability to listen and remain neutral in conversations
- responsibility and teamwork
Event and community coordinators
This team supports Living Library events and the growth of the community.
Responsibilities:
- planning and coordinating Living Library events
- maintaining communication with living books and participants
- coordinating volunteers and helping new members integrate
- supporting the growth of the Living Library community
What we expect:
- organizational skills
- initiative and reliability
- ability to work in a team
Communication and storytelling team
This team helps Living Library stories reach wider audiences.
Responsibilities:
- sharing Living Library stories on social media and other channels
- creating content about living books and their experiences
- contributing to the visibility and engagement of the initiative
- helping shape communication strategies
What we expect:
- interest in communication or media
- ability to create content in different formats
- sensitivity toward people’s stories
Strategy, partnerships, and development team
This team helps the Living Library grow and expand its impact both in Lithuania and internationally.
Responsibilities:
- contributing to the initiative’s strategic development
- identifying partners in Lithuania and abroad
- building networks with organizations and institutions
- supporting the international development of the Living Library method
- identifying new opportunities for growth
What we expect:
- experience in strategy, partnerships, or project development
- ability to see the broader impact of the initiative
- motivation to contribute to systemic change
Digital product and experience creators
This team explores ways to bring the Living Library method into digital environments while preserving its core element—authentic human connections.
Responsibilities:
- developing digital platforms and tools
- designing digital experiences that help people discover the Living Library
- exploring how technology can support dialogue and story accessibility
What we expect:
- interest in digital product development, UX, or technology
- creative thinking about technology for social impact
- ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
Looking beyond
Today the Living Library operates in Lithuania, but many countries face similar challenges.
As journalism weakens, democratic spaces shrink, and information bubbles deepen around the world, the voices of marginalized groups are increasingly unheard.
Our goal is therefore not only to continue this initiative in Lithuania but also to explore ways to apply the Living Library method in other countries where spaces for dialogue are narrowing.
This is a journey in which we will learn together, experiment, and search for ways to make people’s stories more visible and create more opportunities for meaningful conversation.
If this idea resonates with you, we invite you to join.
Joining the Living Library team is currently voluntary, but we see this team as a community shaping the future of the initiative. Over time, some volunteers may also become long-term collaborators.If you can dedicate at least 4 hours per week, please fill in the application form by March 25.
We look forward to getting to know you.
