People Library

The latest stories

Collated by Bradford People Library

Bradford’s People Library is a collection of ‘human books’ highlighting the many things we have in common as human beings, as well as celebrating our differences. Read on for inspiring stories from people born and bred or newly arrived and who live in all parts of our wonderful district. Demonstrating that there is always more to a human ‘book’ than just its cover.

To find out more about the People Library, and how you could tell your story, please click here.

Watch our videos

Bird Man
This film charts the life of one of Bradford's iconic characters - Barry Roots - often found at the 'Top o' town' amongst friends and, of course, the Pigeons... and...
LGBTQ+ Voices
A short film providing an insight to the diverse LGBTQ+ community in Bradford district, launched especially during LGBTQ+ History Month and part of our Anti-Rumour and...
Moments of connection
One man’s journey into dance and choreography, around the World and back again – always seeing the beauty and magic in both people and dance....

Read our stories

Better people, better world
“Sport is the most powerful communication device I think we have…” The challenges we face are never easy in the moment, but hindsight gives us perspective on past...
Out of sight, out of mind.
“There’s good and bad in us all, but Gypsy Travellers get painted with the one brush…” A huge part of our identities as human beings is our individual culture and...
Finding freedom in art
“It was the most healing, life-changing and perspective-shifting experience I’ve ever had... Imagine that the freedom of expression we felt as children was...
Let Fear Fall Behind
There’s a deep sense of hope and conviction in those who not only overcome barriers in life, but are then fueled by a desire to build a better future and continue to excel...
Re-writing Representation
Forging race equality within the TV and media industry There comes a point in life, when we decide that rather than letting life ‘happen to us’, we’re going to...
A Fight Formed From Adversity
Those who face adversity often have a special perspective on life; a gratitude for what’s truly important, a commitment to make their time on Earth count and an empathy...
Out of the Darkness
One woman’s journey turning pain into power Often, we get to choose how we shape our lives and the world around us.  Sometimes though, our lives are thrust...
Surrounded by stories
A Street Photographer’s journey to putting Bradford’s heritage on the international map Pioneers often don’t see themselves as that, they’re busy forging...
The Fight for a Better Future
From refugee to activist, one man’s journey to freedom and his mission to help others. When you speak with Asumani you realise the incredibly powerful gift of having...
A Vital Connection
Discovering strength through community. As you speak with Shaida from Keighley, you quickly get a strong sense of her resilience and fortitude as she shares her journey...
Life is a journey
Finding safety and freedom in music, the Yorkshire landscape and the LGBTQ community. “Most of the time young people feel there’s no safety to just express...
Ordinary and Extraordinary
The power of stories and art in connecting people and places. “I grew up in Manningham, so the park and Cartwright Hall were close by. We pretty much went every week,...