Malkia Newman, Peer Mentor and Community Educator from Community Network Services, was recently contacted by the Canton Library to be part of a new project. Imagine being able to "check out" a person (meeting with them face-to-face) to talk and ask questions about a topic that interests you. That's the concept behind Canton Public Library’s new “Living Library.”
Malkia, a mental health advocate, has volunteered to sit and talk about her life experiences as a person diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Her topic or “book name” is “Recovery Journey.” The goals of the Living library are to: celebrate and promote diversity, to encourage understanding and respect, to challenge stereotypes and prejudices (including mental health stigma), and to have fun learning about other’s personal knowledge and real life experiences.
The first event in the Living Library series will be a meet and greet in the Canton Public Library Community Room on Saturday, September 25, from 1 to 3 pm.
View a clip of
Malkia talking about the Living Library project.
Congratulations Malkia. Peer Power at its best!
By LaTia Chappell, CPSS
Michigan Recovery Center of Excellence