Residents across Salford are being invited to “borrow a person instead of a book” as the city’s Living Library returns for a second year.

The free event will take place at Pendleton Gateway on Friday 15 May, running from 10.30am to 2pm. It will once again bring together people from across the community to share real stories in a setting designed to challenge perceptions and spark meaningful conversation.

Visitors will be able to sit down with so called “human books” and hear their lived experiences in one to one or small group discussions, creating space for honest dialogue and understanding.

Tai Roberts of Salford City College Group said the event is about more than storytelling.

“This is about replacing assumptions with real understanding. When you hear someone’s story directly, it changes everything. You cannot scroll past a real person sitting in front of you and that is where the impact really happens.”

The initiative builds on last year’s success, which drew more than 100 visitors and featured a wide range of deeply personal stories aimed at breaking down barriers between communities.

This year’s line up includes Michelle, who will speak about overcoming mental health struggles while raising children and studying, and how she went on to support neurodiverse young people. Grace will share her experience of returning to education after retirement and finding a renewed sense of purpose. Kasia will talk about losing her teenage son to suicide and how she now supports others through awareness and community work.

Organisers say the aim is to create a space where people feel seen, heard and understood, while encouraging conversations that might not otherwise happen.

As an added incentive, the first 100 visitors on the day will receive a free book voucher.