Ananova:

A library in Holland is lending out people, as well as books, in a new initiative aimed at challenging stereotypes.

People can borrow gay people, gipsies and Muslims for an hour and talk to them about their lives, reports Nu.nl.

Jan Krol, director of the public library, in Almelo, said one of his assistants came up with the idea.

He added: "It's a good way to challenge stereotypes. Clients can lend out a Muslim woman in a head scarf and ask her the questions they wouldn't dare to if they met on the street."

The library has contacted ten people from different backgrounds who are willing to have a chat with library visitors in a pub near the library.