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Life's a Story

Library of People

Learn about the lives of people in your community with small group conversations.

Each persons journey is a book and at this unique program, you will have the opportunity to listen to personal journeys and converse with three live books from our community. Participate in three small group interactions to expand your knowledge and build understanding with various community members.

A Body in Translation by Aashay Dalvi

A Body in Translation is an event that delves into the layered experiences of being a newcomer to Canada, specifically through the lens of being South Asian, queer, trans femme, non-binary, and dark-skinned. In a deeply personal and empowering exploration, Aashay Dalvi, an anti-racism consultant for SPECTRUM and founder of Rad Riot Books, shares their journey navigating these intersections in the context of the Waterloo Region.

The event highlights the unique challenges faced by racialized newcomers, especially queer and trans individuals, who often confront not only systemic racism but also transphobia, homophobia, and the erasure of their identities within mainstream narratives. Aashay’s perspective, rooted in their South Asian heritage, addresses the complexities of colonialism and its ongoing impact on marginalized communities. Their work as an activist and advocate in Waterloo Region, alongside their dedication to decolonizing literature, has positioned them as a vital voice for equity and representation.

Through storytelling, Aashay sheds light on how their identity as a dark-skinned, queer, and trans femme person intersects with advocacy and activism in the region. They emphasize the importance of creating spaces that celebrate anti-colonial and queer-affirming narratives, empowering newcomers and marginalized individuals to reclaim their stories and identities.

A Body in Translation is not just a reflection of lived experiences but a call to action for communities to embrace the voices of those who exist at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities, challenging the colonial frameworks that have long silenced them.

From There to Here by Marjorie-Ann Knight

Marjorie has a lot of lived experience when it comes to the challenges and consequences of poverty. She has struggled as a member of the working poor, experiencing precarious work while raising a family. She is passionate about advocating for those who struggle due to inadequate income and services. In 2018, Marjorie took her first step into politics and remains active in the Riding of Cambridge for the NDP. She continues to be engaged in her community and is a founding member of Rhythm and Blues Cambridge, working with community partners to create opportunities for our BIR communities. She may be found working as Community Faculty with the Lyle Hallman School of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University where she engages with the upcoming social workers in our community. Marjorie currently serves on the boards of The Cambridge Shelter Corp and ACCKWA. She is presently employed as a Family Outreach Worker with the House of Friendship in Cambridge.

This is What it Looks Like to Care About Community by Chrissy Hodgins, CEO of Cambridge Public Library

Chrissy Hodgins is the CEO of Cambridge Public Library, arriving in the role in 2023. She loves to hear and learn about others. Sharing and finding connections between people and ideas is the highlight of her day. Admittedly, talking about herself isn’t always easy, but one of her personal values includes being authentic which does mean being brave enough to be vulnerable. Chrissy has called many places home, and they have experienced plenty of challenges and successes; they will look to share stories about themselves that may be relatable by many, by some and by few.

Community takes all shapes and forms and people, like this book’s author, can count themselves fortunate when they belong to many. Whether it is family, extended family, friends, workplaces, and anyplace you’ve called home, you have as much to gain from community as you can give. Working in public service at five different public libraries across the country, provided this book with valuable perspective and opportunities. This book will share what public library service looks like at its best, where challenges are encountered and how this intersects between the person and the profession.

Accessibility
If you require an accessibility accommodation for this program or event, please tell us how we can meet your needs as soon as possible so arrangements can be organized. If you require a sign language interpreter, please let us know at least two-weeks (10 working weekdays) before the program date. 
  
If you are attending a registered program with a support person, please add your support worker as a guest when you sign up. 

COST: Free

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