Human Books

Interested in learning something new? Below are some of the topics that residents have offered to share their expertise in. Read the profiles below to learn more about what knowledge our residents are sharing.

Meet our “Human Books”

To get in touch with someone you’d like to learn/share with, please contact humanlibrary@hpca.ca and tell us who you’d like to connect with. To join our human library, fill out our form.

Suzy

Sharing: Ballroom Dance - international style (Waltz, Foxtrot, tango, rumba, cha-cha, samba) Chinese culture, language, dishes Crochet
About: Competitive ballroom Dancer (top 24 USA dance-sport national Amateur) Fluent in Chinese, willing to share Chinese recipes and interesting facts of Chinese Clients culture to those interested. Self-taught intermediate level crochet, mainly into amigurumi and other kids' stuff
Likes to meet: Outdoors, community hall, individual and group settings
Availability: Weekdays, daytime
Wants to learn: French, knit, gardening

Bob

Sharing: Highland Park specific real estate information and upcoming developments and projects to be aware of
About: Realtor and developer in Highland Park area. Vast knowledge of community and upcoming projects that may be coming, as well as different zonings/opportunities in the area.
Likes to meet: Online, individual and group settings
Availability: Anytime
Wants to learn: Marketing tools

Kelli

Sharing: Conversations, making new connections
About: Kelli wants to re-connect with others, explore the world, and meet others who strive to balance their passions with their work.
Likes to meet: Online (videoconferencing), outdoors, community hall, individual and group settings, casual conversation/coffee
Availability: Weekends, evenings
Wants to learn: Anything, wants to hear people’s life stories and learn from other’s people’s experiences

Doug

Sharing: Information about Bipolar disorder
About: Doug was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and has been living with it for over 40 years. He would like to share about its different phases to bring more awareness
Likes to meet: Outdoors, community hall, individual and group settings
Availability: Anytime
Wants to learn: More about trauma, amnesia, psilocybin (mushrooms) and meditation.

Amrit

Sharing: Photography skills, wine-making, information about parks and day trips around the city
About: “I am no expert but am willing to share what I have found and learnt while learning photography and wine-making. I have been struggling with chronic pain, PTSD, mental health and other medical challenges since 2018. It was a long road but It involved lot of research, and learnt a lot. If anyone would like to connect, needs info, I can work with you to reach out to available supports and resources.”
Likes to meet: Online (videoconferencing), outdoors, community hall, individual and group settings
Availability: Anytime, weekdays
Wants to learn: Although my interests also involve short walks, cycling, yoga and/or zumba, any health related activities that would keep me active and mindful of my chronic pain. I am interested in learning Cold Process to make soap bars. Also, if there would be any health groups/meetups for chronic pain and photography meetups, it would be cherry on the cake.

Bota

Sharing: Financial Literacy Skills including planning for retirement, saving strategies and healthy habits of financial management. Physical and inner healing
About: Bota is a registered CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) and has been volunteering with the CPA Canada Financial literacy program since 2015. Bota would also like to share her personal learnings related to her recovery from a traumatic experience.
Likes to meet: In person, small groups.
Availability: Weekday during the evenings, weekend - Saturday afternoon

Anisa

Sharing: Anisa is a hobby crafter, focusing on a healthy variety of fibre and textile crafts including knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch and sewing. Recently, she has started scrapbooking." About can read: "Anisa has two young kids at home which keep her busy, however crafts are her therapy. She would love to share her skills with someone or perhaps find someone that would want a crafting buddy." Likes to meet doesn't need any changes, but availability should read: " Currently, Anisa is home with her two young girls and husband but if you reach out, she will make something work with the ever changing schedule of a new parent" Wants to learn: "Anisa loves learning new things. In particular, she would love to practice her French, learn more about homesteading and perhaps find parents in the area with similar ages to her girls.
About: Intermediate skills in knitting and sewing
Likes to meet: Online (videoconferencing), outdoors, community hall, individual and group settings
Availability: Any days during the daytime
Wants to learn: Crochet, gardening, French, woodworking

Salma

About: I moved to Calgary from Mombasa, Kenya a year ago with my husband. I can proficiently speak English, Arabic and Swahili. Back home I was a daycare teacher, taking care of age groups 2 to 6 year olds as I love working with kids. Moving to Canada was the biggest cultural shock I went through. The food, clothing and most importantly the weather. The weather in Mombasa has been between 23 to 29 degree celsius. So coming to Calgary during winter months was an absolutely cold shock. Therefore, I am trying to soak up as much sun as I can this summer.

Our traditional dress is a long, straight dress known as Abaya worn with a hijab.

My favorite and my best Mombasa dish is Pilau made of rice, meat and potatoes but filled with flavors. Mombasa is known for its food. Streets are filled with food vendors after 4pm. The popular street food of Mombasa is Viazi Karai made of deep fried potatoes.

I am hoping to learn and expand my daycare experience in Calgary while sharing knowledge of my culture and food with neighbours here.

Suresh

About: My experience is in digital visual media. I have over 25 years experience in creating digital and visual media content. Experience working in Film and Television industry. I have worked as producer, director, DP, cinematographer, videographer, photographer, video journalist, as well as have experience of video editing, audio recording, and script writing.

I am interested in learning new skills in any field currently looking to learn about piano or any other technology. I have open availability and can meet outdoors or at the community hall.