A Story Beyond the Pages: The Human Library of Petalax Village
On a warm August evening, the Petalax Heritage Association welcomed the community to a special gathering: a storytelling café, set in one of the association’s beloved museum buildings. While these storytelling cafés have become a cherished tradition—held about four times a year—this event had a fresh twist. It opened with an introduction to the Human Library method and an inspiring Erasmus+ project titled "Peripheral Memories for the Future."
Open to all villagers, the café invited both listeners and storytellers to share and reflect. The theme for the evening was “Memories from My School Years,” sparking nostalgic tales and lively discussions. After the introduction, five “books”—individuals sharing their life stories—took turns recounting their memories. The event was hosted by Margareta Björkholm from the Petalax Heritage Association, who guided the conversation and encouraged a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
The stories took the audience back in time, reminiscing about school lunches, the daily journey to school (whether by foot, bus, or other means), and the education styles of the past. These memories resonated with many in the audience, who joined in with comments and questions, enriching the dialogue with their own reflections.
After an hour of storytelling and thoughtful discussion, the event concluded with coffee and continued conversations—a fitting end to a night of shared memories and community connection. Adding to the excitement, the local TV station was on hand to film the event, with plans to broadcast it on Petalax Local TV this winter.
