Summary
This fall, Gatineau’s Aylmer sector invites you to swap paper books for real people. At the brand-new Lucy-Faris Library, the Bibliothèque vivante lets visitors sit down with immigrant “living books” who share their true stories of challenge, triumph and culture — completely free, with no tickets or registration required. It’s an intimate, conversation-driven experience perfect for curious minds, families and budget travellers alike.
Bibliothèque vivante (“Living Library”) is a free municipal event hosted by the City of Gatineau at the newly opened Constance-Provost building, home to the Lucy-Faris Library at 115 Rue Principale in Aylmer. On two Saturdays — October 17 and October 24, 2026 — from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., visitors can “borrow” immigrant volunteers acting as living books, engaging in authentic one-on-one conversations about migration, identity, and culture instead of reading printed pages. The event requires no tickets or pre-registration, making it a flexible drop-in experience ideal for individuals, families and curious travellers. Set inside a modern, accessible civic building near public transit, the activity combines financial accessibility with deep cultural engagement, offering a rare chance to connect personally with the human stories shaping Gatineau’s diverse community — all without spending a single dollar.
Fun Facts
- The “books” in this library are real people — immigrant volunteers sharing personal stories instead of printed text.
- The event takes place in the Constance-Provost building, a brand-new civic space that opened in April 2026.
- Each session runs for four hours (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), allowing visitors to have multiple conversations in one visit.
- No tickets, fees, or registration are needed — it’s a true drop-in, come-as-you-are event.
- The human library concept is used worldwide to reduce prejudice by encouraging direct dialogue across cultures.
Whether you’re a curious local, a newcomer yourself, or a traveller seeking meaningful experiences beyond typical tourist stops, Bibliothèque vivante offers a rare chance to connect authentically — free of charge — with the diverse voices shaping Gatineau’s community this autumn.
For more information: calendrier.gatineau.cloud/calendrier/evenement.aspx?langue=en-ca&id_evenement=46551.
