SHOPPERS are being invited to meet more than 20 people representing stereotypes in High Wycombe on Sunday.

A group aimed at fostering relations between communities has gathered volunteers from all walks of life for the event at High Wycombe Library from 12pm to 4pm. It will take place during the same time the following Sunday.

They include a catholic, gay man, immigrant, pagan, police officer and teenage mother.

It is hoped the “Living Library” event will make people overcome prejudices – listed in a “catalogue” of people who will be there (see link at bottom of story to read it).

People are referred to as books, which visitors borrow for up to half-an-hour on the day to talk to.

This includes racial and religious stereotypes as well as those based on lifestyle and occupations.

Army Officer states: “This book enjoys violence and loves high-tech weapons.

“Because of its work, this book is unemotional and desensitized to violence and horror.

“It is arrogant and probably racist and scornful of human rights. This book obeys orders without thought or question.”

Environmentalist states: “A very naive book that preaches doom and gloom about the 21st century lifestyle.

“This book urges a return to the simple life. It believes the global warming myth and wants everyone to abstain from air travel, cars, central heating and plastic.

“It cares more about polar bears than people and probably hugs trees.”

Rebecca Hickman, from Wycombe Sharing of Faiths, which is organising the event, said: “Wycombe has a rich and diverse population but as individuals we often move in social circles that reflect our own background.

“The Living Library provides a great opportunity for us to chat to neighbours we might pass in the street but never have the chance to spend time with, helping us to correct any misunderstandings and to get beyond the labels.”

Deputy library manager Penny Snelling said: “The Living Library is an initiative aimed at helping us all to develop a better first-hand understanding of people from backgrounds different to our own.

“There is nothing like conversation and real life encounters to help us break through prejudices and stereotypes and discover common ground.”

Publicity for the event has been supported with a £700 community support grant from Wycombe District Council.