Xtra reporter to be a human library book

Check out Andrea Houston at Toronto Reference Library, Nov 5

Xtra reporter Andrea Houston will be one of 11 “human books” available for check-out at the Toronto Reference Library during its Human Library day on Nov 5.

The Human Library allows patrons to “check-out” prominent, interesting people and ask them questions about their lives, their careers and their perspectives on the world for up to 30 minutes. Participants include decision-makers, artists and activists, among others.

Anyone can check out a human book with a valid adult Toronto Public Library card; “books” can be reserved in advance for 30-minute appointments.

Houston has worked as a journalist for 12 years and has been a staff reporter at Xtra since 2010. She’s worked in the mainstream press covering education, municipal affairs and community news for many outlets, including a stint with Reuters in London, England.

During her year at Xtra, Houston has covered municipal and federal elections and is a regular presence in the city hall press gallery. She’s also broken some of Xtra’s biggest stories of the past year, including the decisions of Catholic school boards across Ontario to ban gay-straight alliances.

The Human Library takes place Nov 5 at four library branches. Andrea Houston will be at the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St) from noon till 5pm. Books can be reserved in advance by calling 416-393-7131.

Rob Salerno is a playwright and journalist whose writing has appeared in such publications as Vice, Advocate, NOW and OutTraveler.

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Culture, News, Toronto

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