Human Library

Imagine a library, but with a unique twist. Instead of borrowing paper books, you borrow conversations with people. From technology enthusiasts to future visionaries, they all have experiences to share and fascinating stories to tell. Welcome to our Human Library on March 19th!

Can we slow down aging? Will we 3D print everything in the future? How does AI cause social inequality? And what is the future of sex? Visit our Human Library on March 19th and ask all your questions. Yes, this is an interactive event. You don't have to passively listen to presentations. You can ask our experts - aka living books - anything about their fascinating stories, their extensive experiences, and their well-founded visions. You'll see, every conversation opens a new chapter of insight and knowledge.

Discover our Human Library

Marc Van Ranst

What does climate change have to do with viruses?

Paul De Grauwe

Will our children pay with bitcoins in the future?

Sofie Lenaerts

Mountain Mindset: how do the mountains challenge us?

Laurens Naudts

What’s the deal with justice in the age of AI?

Séverine Vermeire

Do you really have a set of brains in your bowel?

Sam Pless

How do we create caring neighborhoods in an increasingly self-centered world?

Geert Goderis

Will we never get sick anymore?

Isabelle François

An app a day keeps the doctor away: will we one day never have to go to the doctor again?

Andy Thys

Do teachers and AI have to join forces?

Liesbet Temmerman

Will we stay young forever?

Æris Grace

Sex, intimacy, and relationships: what does that look like in the future?

Bey Vrancken

Is the future 3D printed?

Simon De Baere

Are we all cruising on sunshine in the future?

Noël Salazar

Will we travel from our couch with a VR set?

Nicky Dries

Are cobots the colleagues of the future?

Pieter Thyssen

Will teleportation or time travel ever really be possible?

Heleen Claus

What skills are needed to live a future-proof life?

Maarten Larmuseau

Piecing people together with DNA techniques: is that actually okay?

Dirk Lievens

How can aspiring entrepreneurs take the lead towards a sustainable future?

Griet Cappelle

Will sports clubs still exist in the future?

Jan Tytgat

Drugs in society: friend or foe?

Marleen Beevers

A fashion revolution that empowers you and embraces the planet. How?

Tom Meyers

A rapidly changing world: do you lean towards leaving things to chance, or do you prefer taking control?

Jan Caeyers

Beethoven is the David Bowie of his time: what can we learn from him?

Sheron Shamuilia

How does quantum mechanics turn our worldview upside down?

Stephan Claes

Our society under pressure: why we have everything but still get sick. How can we improve?

Filip Volckaert

Is it alarming that animals are disappearing, or is that simply evolution?

Anaí Echeverría Oviedo

We have more mysteries in our heads than in space (and even prettier stars).

Christophe Matthys

From algae to alternatives: what is the future of sustainable eating?

Dorien Vandormael

How do we take care of health care?

Saskia De Bruyn

Is the transition to a climate-neutral city socially just?

Ellen De Stoop

What kind of inclusive world do we want our children to grow up in?

Katrien Kolenberg

Will aliens ever become non-fiction?

Tim Van Steendam

The technological revolution is looming: what does that mean for Flanders?

Where and when is the Human Library?

This special event is held in 20 cozy cafes throughout Leuven, including favorites like Bar Stan, De Optimist, Café van de Velde, and many others. Whether you prefer a quiet chat over a drink or an exciting pub crawl, there's something for everyone. Experience this unique event alone or bring friends along for an even more memorable time.

Come to our living library on March 19th, as everyone is welcome and admission is free. You can register from February 20th, or simply drop in on the day.

Imagine a library, but with a unique twist. Instead of borrowing ordinary paper books, you borrow conversations with experts. From technology buffs to future visionaries, they all have answers to your questions, experiences to share and fascinating stories to tell. You sit at a table in a small group, so you can ask the expert your questions in a very approachable and accessible way. A unique concept you don't want to miss!

Most tables seat 4 people, making for a cozy, approachable and intimate setting to enjoy your conversation. You will share the table with the expert and two more participants who have booked a time slot.

Of course! You book a time slot per person, but there are 3 seats available per time slot. So if your friends register for the same time slot with the same expert, you can all join the expert at the same table.

Is there no more room, but would you still like to bring someone along? Then feel free to bring 1 more person, and we will gladly slide an extra chair at the table.

Not sure yet if you can join Tuesday night? Feel free to come by on the evening itself, and we'll see if there's still room with the expert of your choice. If yes, we'll be happy to slide a chair in. If not, you can always have a drink in the café at one of the other tables.

You certainly can. Just be sure to consider the time it takes to travel to a new location if the next session is scheduled in another café. Each session lasts about 20 minutes. So you have 10 minutes to change locations between sessions.

A conversation with one of our ‘living books’ is scheduled for 20 minutes. Is there no one to take your place afterwards? Then feel free to stay longer!

You can sign up through Conversation Starter's platform. This user-friendly platform allows you to register for a conversation with our ‘living books’ in just a few steps. Is something not going well, are you experiencing problems or do you have questions? Don't hesitate to contact us at info@andleuven.com.

Below, I'll explain the steps you will go through:

Click on this link to register
Press 'click here to get started'.
Enter your email address. This will allow us to keep you updated on your sessions. Your mail address will not be shared with others.
Choose some topics you find interesting.
Enter your first, last name, and choose a password for your account. This way you can easily find your booked sessions afterwards.
Would you like a (free) SMS reminder? Then enter your phone number here. Would you rather not share your phone number? No problem, you can skip this step.
If you want, you can add a picture. Would you rather not? No problem, you can skip this step!
Super! You've created an account! Feel free to click the 'Discover the Experts' button to continue.
Click on an expert that appeals to you. There you can read the topic of the 'living book', and see what time slot is still available. We also give you some extra information about the expert.
Click on the time slot that suits you best.
Great! Your time slot is booked. You can find all your appointments by clicking on the cross and clicking on 'your appointments' in the menu.

If you cannot click on a time slot, then this time slot is already full. This means that 3 other people have already filled this time slot. Do you really want to speak to this expert? Stop by on the night and feel free to ask if you can still join.

We strive to make our event accessible to everyone. Most of the cafes are wheelchair accessible. Do you have questions about this, or need assistance? Please feel free to contact us at info@andleuven.com and we'll look at the options together.

Please note! In Bar Rustic, Den Delper, De Blauwe Kater and Café Marengo our experts are on the 1st or 2nd floor, so unfortunately these sessions are not wheelchair accessible.

When?

Tickets