SANDPOINT — Curiosity. Conversations. Community.

All three will be in evidence at Friday’s Curious Conversations at the Sandpoint Center, 414 Church St.

Everyone has a story to tell, and the East Bonner County Library District event is designed to help make such conversation possible, said Joyce Jowdy, community engagement and adult programming coordinator for the East Bonner County Library District.

"This is a unique opportunity for people to listen to a 'living book' tell his or her own story or share an experience of their life in a one-on-one conversation and have the chance to ask questions and dialogue," Jowdy said.

A special release living book will share his or her story with everyone during the break.

Set for 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Sandpoint Center, 414 Church St., the event offers a way for the community to connect with one another as they enjoy a mocktail party with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

The concept of living books is simple — attendees can "borrow" real people to hear their personal stories and life experiences in one-on-one conversations.

"It's a chance to be inspired, gain fresh perspectives and insights from the stories behind the faces of our community," Jowdy said.

Among the event's living book collection are "A Day in the Life of ALONE: Courting Muskrat Sam," "Grizzly Bears, Ethiopia, and a Buddhist Nun," "Healing Through Sailing," and "Ice Skating in Costa Rica: The Impact of Culture."

Other selections include "Married to the Music: True Stories from Life on the Road with a Rock 'n' Roll Band," "Reconnecting Through Native Culture," "Sandpoint to the Arctic Ocean by Motorcycle," and "A Strange & Nerdy Love Story."

In addition, participants will be able to check out "Surviving the Trauma of Suicide: Your Life After Someone Ends Theirs," "Spy Tales: Never Eat Fish in a Landlocked Country," and "Walking the Ocean of Life: Freedom in Death."

Curious Conversations is a community-initiated project that aims to strengthen the community through unique, one-on-one conversations, Jowdy said.

"Our intention is to cultivate awareness of and access to our neighbors by exploring a chapter of their lives, also known as a living book," she added. "We accomplish this through dialogue to better understand and inspire each other, therefore learning more about ourselves and our impact on each other and our communities."

This project is a chance to connect through real-life, personal stories, conversation, and curiosity. The goal, Jowdy said, is to encourage honest conversations in a safe environment.

Other upcoming events at the library include:

• Gratitude Yoga — Nov. 13, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St.

• Winter Farmers Market — Nov. 22, Dec. 20, Jan. 24 and Feb. 14; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. On Nov. 22, Chris Paradis will perform, and library patrons of all ages are invited to make free gratitude centerpieces with all-natural objects.

• Open Mic — Dec. 6 (first Saturday of each month through at least February); 5:30 p.m., Evans Brothers Coffee, 524 Church St.

• Natural Connections — Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. Create your own seasonal affective disorder "survival kit," including making your own herbal teas and shrubs, crafting an herbal apothecary for winter wellness, and finding your voice in song.