The CBC Human Library Live Online: Munsch, Measha, Margaret and more!

Exactly one week ago, I had the immense pleasure and privilege of hosting and moderating a SEVEN HOUR LONG webcast for CBC News as part of Human Library Day in Canada; one piece of a larger series of Human Library events being held at libraries and cultural centres in 15 different cities across the country that day.

It was one of the coolest, most ambitious projects I’ve ever been able to work on.

The Human Library Organization is inspiring. The CBC is inspiring. The people I work with are inspiring (and way smart.) The technology we work with is inspiring. The people lending themselves out as human library “books,” both to us online, and for one-on-one meetings with strangers in libraries across Canada are inspiring.

It feels good to be inspired.

I can’t even tell you how excited I was too meet THE Robert Munsch of Paper Bag Princess, Mortimer, Murmel Murmel Murmel, I love you Forever, visiting your kindergarten class for the greatest storytelling experience ever fame. Wait, yes I can. I WAS VERY EXCITED (despite what the stupid look on my face might indicate) Why do people say that? “I can’t even tell you?”

Sorry. Trying to play this post as non-neurotic as possible.

Completely unrelated but awesome image.

I’d been a fan of the Human Library (started by a group of Danish activists in 2000 to promote tolerance and understanding) since I found out about its existence in grad school.

When I learned that CBC News had partnered with the Human Library organization to host the first ever national Human Library Day, and that we’d be presenting an online adaptation of the idea featuring well-known Canadians, I was stoked.

Nervous too, but with lots of preparation (and some really good producers) I managed to keep my cool on camera for 7 straight hours — save for the part where I likened Margaret Trudeau to a “Canadian Kim Kardashian of the 70s, but classier.” That wasn’t cool. *facepalm* Thank goodness she laughed. What a fabulous lady — I really really like her.

To see a replay of all 7 Human Library Live Online interviews check out their individual bio pages:

Here are some more photos and links from the day of:

Annnnd speaking of party, it’s time for me to go and play Tetris on the iPad in bed while watching the series finale of 30 Rock I recorded — because it’s Saturday Night, and this is how I roll in February. #GETONMYLEVEL