The Culture of Encounter Toolbox helps raise awareness of reading as a way of beginning conversations with others, with ourselves and between organisations.

It promotes the library as a Site of Conversation that nurtures empathy and understanding. It was funded through the Innovation and Development Fund as was part of the 2019 Year of Conversation.

Numerous partners were involved in the creation of the Toolbox including the University of St Andrews, Scottish Book Trust and the University of Glasgow. It was initially developed for A Day of Conversation, part of Voluntary Arts Scotland’s 2019 Get Creative Festival , the Scottish Mental Arts Festival and Book Week Scotland.   

In the Toolkit you will find ideas to create Culture of Encounter events and lists of conversation starters. These can be used by library staff to celebrate, initiate and explore the concept of conversation.