Stories of personal struggle and triumph are set to come alive at Warrnambool's first human library.
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Warrnambool's Matt Reeves and Jodie Fleming received funding for the event after coming a tie at round six of Beers and Ideas.
Mr Reeves said the aim was to reduce stigma and increase a sense of connection and belonging in the community.
"The idea is that the community will come to the library and borrow a human 'book' to listen to their story and ask questions similar to the ABC's show You Can't Ask That," he said.
"We're encouraging people to have the conversations they can't usually have in a day-to-day situation, with people who might have had their leg amputated, gender reassignment surgery or have beaten cancer.
"One book we have locked in is Paul Watkins, who recently walked across the Arctic Circle. His story is very interesting, both in terms of what he achieved and the mental strength needed to achieve that.
"We've also got a veteran from the RSL and a young person who suffered locked-in syndrome, where they couldn't move anything except their eyes."
The human library will be held at the Warrnambool City Library on October 6 and will launch the city's Mental Health Week.
Mr Reeve said the human books would be scattered around the library and loaned for a limited time.
"We'll have a maximum of about three people per book as we want it to be a very personal experience," he said.
"The book will tell their story before answering any questions that people have. On the day the library is also putting together a selection of reading material that is tailored to each human book."
Mr Reeve said he was blown away by the community's response to the event so far.
"The people who have put their hands up to be a book are just amazing," he said.
"They are very brave and we are just blown away by the offers. But we are still looking for more and the easiest way to show your interest is to message us through our Facebook page Human Library 3280.
"Unfortunately we can't say yes to everyone. We want to avoid doubling up and there's a few boxes that they will have to tick before being chosen.... but if it all works well there is no reason why we can't run it again with different people involved."
Meanwhile, the second Beers and Ideas winner was Warrnambool's Brendan Donahoo, who made an inspiring and emotional presentation about Cycling Without Age.
The project will see students and community volunteers ferry aged-care residents around the city on custom-made trio bikes.
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