Libraries have always been where we go for knowledge. After the invention of the Internet, however, libraries may not seem as important anymore. Therefore, some libraries have had to come up with new ways to stay interesting; one such idea is the human library.
At a human library, books are not the only things being checked out. Human libraries feature volunteers who act much like a book. Readers can reserve a short time with a human book, who is a person willing to volunteer his or her time to talk to library guests. During that time, the two people can have a one-on-one conversation. This gives people a chance to interact and ask questions of people who may have very different experiences to share. Instead of reading a book, people can hear real-life stories being told directly by a person who has lived a full life.
The first human libraries appeared in Denmark back in 2000. The idea is catching on, with public libraries in the United States and Australia also holding human library events. Library guests get to listen to stories and ideas from respected members of their communities, and human books get a chance to share their experiences. Together, both reader and "book" promote the library. Everyone benefits from these exchanges of grace and knowledge.
volunteer n. 自願參加者；義工 & vi. 自願（做某事）
Barry serves as a volunteer in that hospital once a month.
貝瑞每個月都到那家醫院擔任一次義工。
Jenny volunteered to help prepare for the party.
珍妮自願幫忙準備派對事宜。
reserve vt. 預訂；保留
The front seats are reserved for the elderly.
前座是保留給年長者坐的。
interact vi. 交流，互動
Ron swept me off my feet the first time I saw him interact with children.
當我第一次看到榮恩和小朋友互動時，就為他神魂顛倒。
* sweep sb off one's feet 使某人神魂顛倒
catch on 流行
The famous designer predicts that ankle boots will catch on next year.
那位名設計師預測明年踝靴將大為流行。
promote vt. 推廣，促進
We need your help in order to have sufficient funds to promote this social welfare program.
我們需要你的幫助以獲得足夠的資金來推廣這個社會福利方案。
* sufficient a. 足夠的，充足的
benefit from... 受益於……
benefit vi. & vt. 受益；有益於……
Many people benefited from the city government-sponsored job training course.
許多人受益於市政府安排的職業訓練課程。
* sponsor vt. 贊助，資助
exchange n. & vt. 交換，互換
In exchange for helping me, I'll buy you a cup of coffee.
我會請你喝杯咖啡以交換你幫我的忙。
grace n. 文雅，優雅
The dancer performed the difficult move with grace and ease.
這位舞者優雅而從容地表演高難度的舞步。
